4 Realistic Red Sox Trade Deadline Targets
By Ryan Bunton
1. Nathan Eovaldi, RHP, Texas Rangers
Could former Red Sox playoff hero Nathan Eovaldi return to Boston? Eovaldi, now 34, was a trade acquisition by the Red Sox in 2018 and spent the next four and a half seasons in Boston. Eovaldi was arguably the Sox' best pitcher for a period of his stint with the club, starting three straight Opening Days and earning a 2021 All-Star nod.
The reigning World Series champions currently sit third in the American League West, five games behind in the division and 7.5 games out of the last AL Wild Card spot. However, the team has had to fight through injuries and the impending return of several key contributors could convince Chris Young and the Rangers front office to stand pat. MLB insider Jon Heyman believes that the chances of Eovaldi being moved are "low".
Eovaldi holds a career playoff record of 9-3 with a 3.05 ERA. It is worth noting that one of those losses came in Game 3 of the 2018 World Series when Eovaldi threw 97 pitches out of the bullpen in an 18-inning thriller. Although he eventually gave up a walk-off home run in the 18th to Max Muncy, his performance earned admiration from Boston fans and the importance of his value cannot be understated, as he saved the Red Sox bullpen from being depleted. Boston won the next two games to win their ninth ring.
In 16 starts this season with Texas, Eovaldi is 6-3 with a 2.97 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and 8.8 K/9. He is on pace for career-bests in both ERA and WHIP.
His exceptional playoff pedigree augments his value and there will be no shortage of teams that come knocking. It is more of a question of it the Rangers will sell. Texas' next week or so before the deadline could significantly move the needle.
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