Trade Deadline Outlook: Boston Red Sox - MLB Trade Rumors

What the report says

MLB Trade Rumors reported that the Boston Red Sox have rapidly changed their trade-deadline posture after a dramatic midseason surge. In a July 23, 2026 outlook, Darragh McDonald wrote that Boston had looked like a likely seller earlier in the season, particularly after a poor start led to manager Alex Cora’s dismissal one month in and Triple-A manager Chad Tracy taking over on an interim basis.

The report said the Red Sox were 32-46 and last in the American League on June 24, with important players including Roman Anthony and Garrett Crochet on the injured list. FanGraphs listed their postseason chances at 9.4% at that point. Since then, Boston has gone 20-3 over a 23-game stretch, including a 15-game winning streak that ended the night before the article was published. The club was 52-49, holding an AL Wild Card position, with FanGraphs playoff odds up to 62.4%.

That turnaround has shifted the team into “buy” mode, according to MLB Trade Rumors. The outlet identified possible areas to address as the infield, catcher, a right-handed bat, rotation depth and bullpen help.

The infield was presented as a particular concern. Willson Contreras has been productive at first base, and Caleb Durbin has improved at third after a slow start. But the middle infield remains unsettled, with Trevor Story recovering from hernia surgery, Marcelo Mayer sidelined by a left ulna stress reaction and Isiah Kiner-Falefa also on the injured list. For now, Tsung-Che Cheng and Anthony Seigler are filling those spots despite limited experience.