Most Likely Trade Targets for the Boston Red Sox Ahead of MLB Trade Deadline

Cover Photo: Getty Images

After winning the World Series just eight months ago, the Boston Red Sox are off to a rather disappointing start to the 2019 season. At 36-34, the Red Sox are in third place in the AL East and 6.5 games behind the New York Yankees for the lead in the division.

The Red Sox need to improve, particularly on the rubber, if they hope to compete in October again this year. So far they're 17th in the league in ERA (4.41), and 20th in the league in saves (15), despite having a record slightly above .500. Here are three players the Red Sox should target before the July 31 MLB Trade Deadline approaches.

3. Sean Doolittle, RP, Washington Nationals

Sean Doolittle's 3.58 ERA and 14 saves this season might not jump off the page, but make no mistake, Doolittle has been one of the best back-of-the-bullpen guys in baseball over the course of his career. He has a career ERA of 2.88 and a career WHIP of 0.92. The Red Sox would be smart to try and trade low on him, as they could also use him as a permanent closer.

2. Matthew Boyd, SP, Detroit Tigers

In addition to a lack of stability out of the bullpen, the Red Sox have struggled to find a group of starters who can consistently keep them in games early on. After a mediocre beginning to his career, Matthew Boyd has been one of the lone bright spots on a Detroit Tigers' team that has left much to be desired up until this point. Boyd's 3.35 ERA would also be the best on the Red Sox's pitching staff.

1. Francisco Liriano, SP/RP, Pittsburgh Pirates

The Red Sox need help in their starting rotation and bullpen, so why not get somebody who can do both? A career starter, Francisco Liriano made the move to the bullpen for the 2019 season, and he has produced magnificently. Liriano has a 1-1 record and a 2.27 ERA in 31 games for the Pittsburgh Pirates this year. If the Red Sox can acquire the 35-year-old lefty, he could do wonders for their pitching staff.

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Leo Abbe-Schneider is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Leo also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username leoabbe2. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.