Boston Red Sox trade rumors: Team targeting Mets reliever Addison Reed

The Boston Red Sox are still searching for bullpen help on the trade market and Addison Reed appears to be the next target.

The MLB Trade Deadline is one day away and the Boston Red Sox are still seeking one final move. According to Ken Rosenthal, New York Mets reliever Addison Reed may be the man for Boston.

As Rosenthal mentions, the teams have not come close to a trade yet, but Reed would be a perfect addition for the Red Sox bullpen.

With Joe Kelly on the disabled list, the Red Sox are struggling to connect their starting pitchers to closer Craig Kimbrel.

Matt Barnes and Heath Hembree have both been used in high leverage situations.  Reed’s experience as a closer would give the Red Sox a more consistent option in late innings.

Reed has been a full-time closer for four of his seven big league seasons, posting seasons of 29 and 40 saves with the Chicago White Sox and a 32 save season with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Since then, Reed has performed well in various setup roles. Last season with the Mets saw Reed appear in 80 games, posting a 1.97 ERA and striking out 91 batters while walking only 13.

The perfect set-up man?

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This season, Reed took over as the Mets closer while Jeurys Familia was suspended for a domestic violence incident. To this point, Reed has posted a 2.57 ERA and saved 19 games. He was record 48 strikeouts and only 6 walks, which would pair well with Kimbrel.

Reed’s versatility in terms of role would allow the Red Sox to rely less on Kimbrel.  It will also give him a few extra days off as the postseason draws closer. Reed can cover the seventh and eighth innings, as well as close games when Kimbrel needs a breather. His high performance in clutch situations would help the Red Sox stabilize the late innings until Kelly’s return.

Are the Mets a seller?

The Mets currently sit in 3rd place in the National League East, which is normally solid. The issue is that their record, 48-54, put them 13.5 games behind the first place Washington Nationals. They may be ready to sell a few assets to gain prospects and retool for the next few seasons.

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Reed would be relatively cheap compared to some of the other potential players on the market. His performance is certainly worth a decent piece going back to New York.

The Red Sox will have until 4 PM on July 31 to make a few more additions and gear up for the season’s final stretch.