Red Sox Recast Trade Deadline Plans After 14-2 Surge Lifts Playoff Odds to 40.1%

3 articles · Updated · MLB.com · Jul 17

Boston entered the All-Star break at 46-48 after a 14-2 run and nine straight wins, moving from likely deadline sellers to a club weighing buyer moves.
That surge left the Red Sox just a half-game out of the AL wild-card spot despite sitting 10 games behind the AL East-leading Rays, with FanGraphs putting their playoff odds at 40.1%.
Craig Breslow's front office now faces a clearer roster question: Boston's biggest need is another right-handed bat, while its deepest trade capital sits in a pitching-rich farm system led by prospects behind near-untouchable Anthony Eyanson.
Roman Anthony's possible return from a hand-wrist tendon injury for the final six weeks, and ace Garrett Crochet's hoped-for September comeback, could further strengthen a team that has leaned on pitching.
A four-game post-break series against Tampa Bay at Fenway, opening with a day-night doubleheader, could help determine whether Boston's late revival justifies aggressive buying before the Aug. 3 deadline.