The July 31 MLB trade deadline is just a week away, and the Red Sox are still on the hunt for relief pitchers. The list of potential targets has already dwindled with Brad Hand and Jeurys Familia getting traded to the Cleveland Indians and Oakland Athletics, respectively. There are still some possibilities out there, though. Here's a look at some of the relievers for whom Dave Dombrowski could strike a deal:
© Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports The Red Sox are one of several teams that have been linked to Orioles reliever Zach Britton. Just a couple years ago, Britton was arguably the most dominant relief pitcher in baseball, but he has fallen a bit from that after suffering a forearm injury and then a ruptured Achilles. Still, the 30-year-old could be a good lefty option for Boston to bridge the gap to Craig Kimbrel. The Orioles have reportedly shown interest in top prospect Michael Chavis, who recently returned to Double-A Portland following a suspension.
Fernando Rodney
© Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports According to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick, the Red Sox are interested in Minnesota Twins closer Fernando Rodney. Rodney has 18 saves and a 2.97 ERA this season. Dombrowski knows Rodney well, as they were both with the Tigers from 2002-09, when Rodney went to the Angels. The 19-year veteran should come with a smaller price tag than other relief pitchers as his contract only runs through the end of this season.
Kyle Barraclough
© Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports According to MLB.com’s Jon Morosi, the Red Xox have talked with the Miami Marlins about closer Kyle Barraclough. The right hander is a star in the Marlins’ bullpen, with a 2.45 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP for the season. Acquiring him could cost a top prospect, especially since he is under team control through 2021, which may be too much for the Red Sox to afford.
© Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports The Red Sox have also reportedly shown interest in another Marlins reliever, Adam Conley. Conley has limited left-handers to a .136 batting average with zero home runs, and has an overall ERA of 2.73. Like Barraclough, the Marlins still have control over Conley for the next few years and have reportedly put a high price tag on him, which may push Conley out of the Red Sox’ reach.
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