Key roster moves Red Sox must make before trade deadline arrives on July 31st
The Boston Red Sox are in a tough spot as the MLB trade deadline on July 31, 2025, gets closer. With a 33-36 record and fourth place in the American League East, they're just 3.5 games from a wild card spot.
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Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has big decisions to make to help the team reach the playoffs. Injuries and a weak pitching staff mean the Red Sox need to act quickly. Here's what they should do to improve their roster before it's too late.
Breslow must bolster the pitching staff to spark a playoff push
The Red Sox's pitchers have struggled this year, with Garrett Crochet doing most of the heavy lifting. Injuries to Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito have made things worse, and Tanner Houck and Walker Buehler haven't been reliable.
Adding a strong starting pitcher could steady the rotation and support Crochet. Breslow might look at someone like Sean Manaea, who can pitch a lot of innings. The bullpen also needs help, as Aroldis Chapman has been inconsistent.
A solid reliever like Ryan Helsley could secure close games.
Trading a prospect like Marcelo Mayer could bring in a top pitcher, but it's a tough call. With Roman Anthony's recent call-up showing promise, Breslow must weigh short-term wins against future plans.
FanGraphs gives Boston a 17.9% chance at a wild card, so every move matters. Smart trades now could keep the Red Sox in the playoff race.
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Roman Anthony's debut adds hope, but it isn't enough alone
Roman Anthony's debut has excited Red Sox fans, with his first MLB hit and a huge 497-foot homer. He drove in two runs in a 3-1 win over Tampa Bay, showing he's ready for the majors. But one young player can't solve all the team's problems. The offense needs a right-handed hitter to support Rafael Devers and Triston Casas.
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Breslow could trade Jarren Duran, who's playing well, for a slugger like Teoscar Hernandez.
The outfield, with Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu, is okay, but injuries to Masataka Yoshida show the team lacks depth. Breslow needs to add players without losing too many prospects, as Boston's farm system is strong. With just a 0.8% chance of winning the World Series, the Red Sox must act fast. Anthony is an energetic player, but the team could use some more firepower to fight a playoff position.
The Red Sox have been given very little time to rescue their season.
There have been injuries which have negatively affected the team and the pitchers have been poor. Breslow's choices at the trade deadline will decide if Boston can make a playoff push. Adding a starting pitcher and a reliever could fix the pitching problems, while a new hitter would strengthen the lineup. Roman Anthony's debut is a bright spot, but he can't do it all.
Trading players like Duran or prospects may be necessary to improve. With a tight wild-card race, every game is important. Boston's front office needs to be bold to give the team a chance. Fans want to see the Red Sox in the playoffs, and the next few weeks will show if they can make it happen. The deadline is coming, and Breslow must make the right moves.
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