The Boston Red Sox have established themselves as a contender in the fierce American League East division, and they may be in a position to deal away upcoming free agents before the trade deadline. Only two of the players have a realistic chance of sticking with the team after this season, despite the fact that a number of them may produce a strong return, according to MassLive Red Sox columnist Sean McAdam.
“Over the course of the following 60 games, a lot can happen. However, the Red Rox could have a number of players who would draw a lot of interest if they decide they’re not in a good enough position to add, such as outfielder Tyler O’Neill, set-up man Chris Martin, closer Kenley Jansen, and starter Nick Pivetta, McAdam said in a recent notes column. “All of them are headed for free agency, with the exception of Pivetta and O’Neill, who may be given another chance to sign with the team.”
Prior to the current season, Pivetta, who inked a one-year, $7.5 million contract with the organization, maintained a 3.04 ERA in his first five starts, which would be the best mark of his eight years in the Major League Baseball. O’Neill leads the team in home runs and slugging percentage. He received a $5.85 million single-season contract. In the meantime, Jansen, who is in his second and last season of his current contract, is leading the Red Sox bullpen in saves despite making $16 million. Martin, who is in the penultimate season of his deal and makes $7.5 million, leads the squad in holds. According to McAdam, together, they comprise a $23.5 million pair that the Red Sox are ready to part with in one way or another.
However, possible fan backlash is one reason the organization might wait until the offseason to do that. “A public auction in late July could be challenging, as it could indicate to some that the team’s ongoing rebuild has not made much progress,” McAdam continued. “A sell-off would also validate a season without postseason play for the third consecutive year. However, the three arms alone could produce a few very good prospects and better serve the organization in the future given the need for pitchers at the deadline.
