The Boston Red Sox are in a bit of a pickle this season, sitting at 27-35 after their recent victory over the New York Yankees. It’s not exactly the spot they envisioned themselves in come June, especially with the high hopes pinned on them at the start of the season.
The chatter around the Red Sox camp is tinged with a bit of gloom, but Red Sox legend and 2004 World Series champ Kevin Millar has a different take. He believes it’s not time to hit the panic button just yet.
Millar, speaking on “MLB Now,” urged the Red Sox to hold off on any major sell-off moves. “They’re only 3.5 games out of the Wild Card,” he pointed out.
“It’s a weird year… That staff, with [Aroldis Chapman] at the back end, can win a World Series.
They have to get a dude that hits… I have to wait this out and see.”
Millar’s optimism isn’t unfounded. The Red Sox might not need to dismantle the team yet, but they do need to keep their eyes peeled on the trade market.
The most glaring need? A right-handed bat.
And if the injury bug continues to bite the pitching staff, a starting pitcher might also be on the shopping list. According to Jen McCaffrey from The Athletic, Boston is actively shopping catcher Connor Wong.
While the Red Sox have been fielding calls about relievers like Aroldis Chapman, Justin Slaten, and Garrett Whitlock, they aren’t keen on trading them just yet.
“With three catchers on the big-league roster – Carlos Narváez, Connor Wong, and Mickey Gasper – Boston’s surplus is drawing interest,” McCaffrey noted. “The Red Sox are shopping Wong in particular, according to a league source, and have also fielded calls on relievers Aroldis Chapman, Justin Slaten, and Garrett Whitlock. The Red Sox have said – for now – they have no interest in dealing anyone from that bullpen trio.”
Millar’s stance aligns with a cautious approach. If the Red Sox can find a good deal for Wong that strengthens another part of the team, it could be a smart move.
With Mickey Gasper getting more playing time, Boston has some depth at catcher. Wong, a reliable six-year veteran, still has two more seasons of team control, making him a valuable asset.
Entertaining offers for Chapman, Slaten, and Whitlock isn’t a bad strategy either, just in case the season doesn’t turn around. But right now, the Red Sox shouldn’t be in a rush to trade them.
The American League is wide open, and Boston is just a hot streak away from being in the playoff conversation. It’s too soon to make any drastic moves.
As the trade season heats up, the Red Sox will be a team to watch closely. They’re at a crossroads, and the decisions they make in the coming weeks could shape their season and beyond.
