Red Sox rumors: 3 low-risk high-reward options at MLB Trade Deadline
As history has proved, sometimes it is the low-risk, minor moves the Boston Red Sox make at the MLB Trade Deadline that pays off the most.
Recent Red Sox World Series championship teams benefitted from players like Orlando Cabrera, Doug Mientkiewicz, Dave Roberts and most recently Nathan Eovaldi and Steve Pearce.
When it comes to that 2018 team, those two minor moves ended up playing a huge part in the team’s championship run. Of course, that 108-win team didn’t need much. Talent wise, the 2021 version of the Boston Red Sox does not measure up to that 2018 team.
Despite sitting atop of the AL East, the Red Sox do have some holes they can fill at the MLB Trade Deadline. So, does chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom go out and make a major move to secure his team as World Series contenders or does he go the route of making a couple of low risk moves that could pay off in a big way.
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If he takes the low-risk, high-award path, there are three players who may just fit the bill.
Boston Red Sox Low-risk moves at MLB Trade Deadline: Zach Davies
With Chris Sale hurling his way back to the Majors, a low-risk deal to solidify the back end of the starting rotation is invading that Chicago Cubs cupboard and dealing for right-handed pitcher Zach Davies.
While Red Sox fans would love for Bloom to strike a blockbuster deal for Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant or Craig Kimbrel, a smaller move like acquiring Davies could help the team as well.
In 21 games started for the Cubs, Davies is 6-6 with a 4.30 ERA. He is right there with Nick Pivetta and Martin Perez when it comes to ERA and has a similar record to that of Garrett Richards, but can Richards be trusted going down the stretch or even into the playoffs?
As it won’t cost much to obtain Davies, the idea here is adding depth and stability to the back end of that rotation and utilizing the 28-year-old pitcher in the bullpen once the playoffs begin.
Obviously, if the Red Sox are in for a starter, the ideal target would be more of a front-end starter, but adding another arm to the back of the rotation can help the team as well, especially with the up-and-down season Richards is having.