The Red Sox may be looking for "big dogs" at the deadline, but their depleted farm system might say otherwise.
Jerry Crasnick of ESPN reported that Red Sox executives Frank Wren and Allaird Baird have been scouring the market for relievers. One scout said they’re looking for the “big dogs.”
The "big dog" this year at the deadline would be Baltimore closer Zach Britton. As of Tuesday, the Yankees and Astros are the two teams in the lead to land the reliever, according to Jim Bowden. He adds, “several other teams still in play as trade negotiations are rounding third and heading for home.”
The Sox may have to look elsewhere for bullpen help and they may end up turning to a familiar face. Marlins reliever Brad Ziegler’s trade value has been on the rise. Ziegler was a member of the Red Sox for part of the 2016 season.
This year, the side-arm-throwing reliever owns the best ERA in the NL since the beginning of June (1.03). The Braves have reportedly already placed a call to Miami inquiring about their bullpen.
It was reported Monday that the Red Sox might be in on starting pitcher Cole Hamels, but it seems they might be out of the running. Jon Paul Morosi of MLB.com says the Nationals are pushing to acquire the lefty before the deadline. The Mariners, Yankees, Phillies and Braves are also in on the veteran.
The Yankees have been heavily involved in the market for starting pitching as well.
Crasnick tweeted out that the Yanks have inquired about Rays starter Chris Archer in a potential deal. New York certainly needs help in their rotation, but the Crasnick reports that the Rays may be hesitant to move Archer within the division. But if anyone can meet a high asking price, it would be the Yankees.
It was reported a little over a week ago that the Red Sox had interest in Kansas City Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas, but it appears that ship may have sailed. The Brewers have been reportedly interested in dealing for Moustakas and moving Travis Shaw to second base. A season-ending injury to relief pitcher Brent Suter may force the Brewers to trade for pitching instead, but it remains to be seen what the Brewers do as they try to chase the Cubs down the stretch.
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