The Boston Red Sox appear headed toward selling ahead of the July trade deadline, with MLB insider Steve Phillips identifying them as a club that needs to trade reliever Aroldis Chapman. Boston sits in last place, well out of contention, and is expected to listen on its most valuable assets.
Chapman, a veteran left-handed reliever, could draw interest from contenders seeking bullpen help. The broader market includes several teams with something to prove in July, as CBS Sports notes that it is "put up or shut up time" for clubs like the Blue Jays and Mariners.
For Boston, trading Chapman would signal a full pivot toward the future, while contenders must decide whether to buy or stand pat. The deadline looms as a defining moment for both sellers and buyers.
A countervailing view holds that even a last-place team could hold onto a veteran presence if the return is underwhelming. But with Chapman's contract and age, the Red Sox may prioritize getting any value over keeping a player who does not fit their timeline.
Acquiring a reliever is often a gamble, and the market may not offer the bidding war some expect. Still, Boston's position makes a deal likely.