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5 Players the Red Sox Should Acquire

By Evan Marinofsky

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Currently sitting on a 3 game losing skid to go along with a power outage on offense, the Boston Red Sox need some kind of relief to cure them of these strenuous times. Rusney Castillo could be the answer, but there’s a good chance that he’s not going to pull a Yasiel Puig and completely turn his team’s ship around on his own.

Even though it’s May 23rd and June is right around the corner, it’s still early enough for the Red Sox to make vital and significant moves with the Trade Deadline being just about 2 months away.

The Sox could easily play up to what their talent level is. But if they don’t, here are the 5 players they should consider trading for.

Honorable Mention: Cole Hamels, Philadelphia Phillies: Starting Pitcher 

May 18, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cole Hamels (35) watches from the dugout during the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. The Philies won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

 

Cole Hamels is an honorable mention for the fact that the Red Sox have been trying to execute a trade with the Philadelphia Phillies regarding Hamels since last November, but nothing has occurred. As great as it would be to have Hamels, who is a wonderful playoff performer as well, I don’t see any triggers being pulled on this one. The Phillies want a lot and the Red Sox have just been unwilling to suit their desires.

5.) Chris Carter, Houston Astros: First Basemen/DH  

May 19, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros first baseman

Chris Carter

(23) hits a home run during the second inning against the Oakland Athletics at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Even though the Houston Astros surprisingly sit atop the AL West, I’m not so sure if I see this young, inexperienced team playing 6 consistent months of baseball to stay on top of their perch. And even if they do, I’m not so sure I see Chris Carter playing a big impact.

The Astros have Marwin Gonzalez at first base so losing Carter wouldn’t be that big of a detriment, considering Gonzalez’s consistency being much better. They also have Jon Singleton, who has been tearing it up in Triple-A so far. Singleton has shown that not only can he hit for power (13 home runs), but also hit for average too (.293) which was a big issue last year.

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If the Red Sox were to make a trade with the Astros for Carter, the Red Sox would not have to give much up in return. Carter would be a small upgrade from what Mike Napoli is right now, only because of his ability to crush the ball. He has a .168 batting average but has 7 home runs and 20 RBIs. He also had 37 home runs last season.

The Red Sox would only make a trade for him right around the deadline, and he would be perfect in pinch hit situations. He’s been a consistent power hitter throughout the past two years and would prosper in Fenway Park with the Green Monster in left field.

In return, the Sox would probably only have to give up a bullpen pitcher such as Craig Breslow or possibly even Justin Masterson to get Carter.

4.) Carlos Gonzalez, Colorado Rockies: Outfielder  

May 14, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Colorado Rockies right fielder

Carlos Gonzalez

(5) hits a three-run home run in the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. The Rockies won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Carlos Gonzalez has had trade rumors swirling around his name for a few years now. But when you’re good and on the Colorado Rockies, I guess it’s bound to happen.

Car-go would be a tremendous edition to the Red Sox outfield and if Castillo slumps this year, he could easily fill in for him in right field. He could also be much needed insurance to Hanley Ramirez in left field due to Hanley’s consistent injuries throughout the month of May: about the only thing consistent with him right now. And if necessary, he could play centerfield for Mookie Betts on other days.

But, getting Car-go does have its negatives. The first of which is the controversy it could create. He’s an everyday player who should be in the lineup and the Red Sox outfield consists of those same types of players. Unless Ramirez, Betts, or Castillo slump, there is really no need for Gonzalez.

Also, the Red Sox would have to give up an arm and a leg for him. The Rockies would undoubtedly be after the Red Sox’ surplus of young pitching. Brian Johnson, Eduardo Rodriguez and Henry Owens would easily be players the Rockies would ask for in return.

3.) Dillon Gee, New York Mets: Starting Pitcher  

May 3, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets pitcher

Dillon Gee

(35) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field. The Nationals won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Mets have a very bright future with their starting pitching staff, headlined by players such as Matt Harvey and Jacob deGrom. One player who doesn’t seem to be in the Mets’ future plans is Dillon Gee.

Despite being on the 15-Day DL, Gee has been solid this year with a 3.86 ERA over 30 innings and 5 starts.

If acquired by the Red Sox, Gee could be a solid middle of the rotation starter and probably fill in for Masterson for the rest of the season, since it seems as though his rotation spot is up for grabs.

To get Gee, the Red Sox wouldn’t have to give up a whole lot. But a strong prediction at what they would have to give up for him would be someone like a Brandon Workman, who can be a long-reliever and also a starter.

The only negative would be Gee’s lack of playoff experience.

2.) Lucas Duda, New York Mets: First Basemen 

May 17, 2015; New York City, NY, New York Mets first baseman

Lucas Duda

(21) doubles to deep right center allowing a runner to score during the third inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Acquiring Lucas Duda would be a major upgrade at first base for the Red Sox. With Napoli not being able to find his swing, it seems like it may be time for a new first basemen: and Duda seems to be a perfect fit.

Duda is currently hitting .294 with 5 home runs and 19 RBIs, showing that he can hit for both power and contact. He would most likely hit around where Napoli hits now, which would be about the 6 or 7 slot. Plus, Duda is a left handed hitter, which is something scarce in the Red Sox batting order.

Duda will be a free agent at the end of this year and even though it’s a long shot for the 2nd place Mets to trade him this early in the year, the right package could cause them to agree.

The Sox would more than likely have to give up a lot for Duda.

But here’s where it gets interesting.

With David Wright‘s recent shutdown and diagnosis with Spinal Stenosis, no one really knows when he will be back and when he will return to original form. So, the Mets need to find a third basemen of the future.

The Red Sox have that guy: Garin Cecchini. Cecchini’s numbers haven’t been amazing this year, but his potential sure is and could be very appealing to the Mets. Another person may have to be thrown into this deal but Cecchini would have to be the centerpiece. Even though that would be a fairly large loss to the Red Sox, they already have Pablo Sandoval at 3rd base for the next 4-5 years so Cecchini probably wouldn’t get a great shot at playing here.

All around, a great deal.

1.) Scott Kazmir, Oakland Athletics: Starting Pitcher 

May 17, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics pitcher

Scott Kazmir

(26) prepares to deliver a pitch against the Chicago White Sox in the second inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Scott Kazmir has had a lot of trade rumors surrounding him as of late. But, he could really fit in the Red Sox starting rotation quite nicely.

Kazmir had a great year last year, going 15-9 with a 3.55 ERA. This year, he has a 3.09 ERA with a 2-3 record. The only difference between this year and last year for the A’s is that last year, they were AL West favorites. This year?

Early 1st round draft pick favorites.

With the A’s dreadful start, Kazmir is likely going to be traded before the deadline, due to the fact that he’ll be a free agent at the end of this year and GM Billy Beane probably won’t resign him.

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Even though he is 31 and his velocity is down, he could easily be inserted into the middle of the Sox rotation. The question then becomes at what cost?

Kazmir probably won’t get a lot in return, or at least what Beane may consider “a lot”. This could lead to deals being discussed all  the way up to the deadline. For Kazmir, the Red Sox should not give up a lot but due to the amount of deals for Kazmir, they will end up overpaying.

What should be sent to Oakland is a prospect such as Bryce Brentz, who is currently ranked as the Red Sox #19 ranked prospect. He’s an outfielder and probably won’t get his chance with the Red Sox, but will for the A’s. But, Beane probably won’t be satisfied.

What he will ask for is someone like Brock Holt: a utility man that is unbelievably consistent, can play anywhere and most of all, is young and cheap. Since the Red Sox may need Kazmir, Beane’s request for Holt could and probably would be met.

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