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MLB Trade Deadline: 1 trade every team shouldn’t make

By Nathaniel Reeves

Apr 4, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder A.J. Pollock prior to the game against the Colorado Rockies during Opening Day at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder A.J. Pollock prior to the game against the Colorado Rockies during Opening Day at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 10, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; A general view of Fenway Park during the seventh inning of the game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Boston Red Sox. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; A general view of Fenway Park during the seventh inning of the game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Boston Red Sox. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

Boston Red Sox: Selling Andrew Benintendi

After a last-place finish in 2015, the Red Sox shook things up in the front office by bringing in Dave Dombrowski.  That usually means sacrificing long-term to win short-term, and adding David Price on a massive $217 million deal plus Craig Kimbrel through trade instantly brought Boston back to contender status.

With a 24-14 start to the season, the Red Sox are certain to be buyers at the deadline, and have a great argument to be the best team in AL at the moment. Boston will likely dig into its excellent farm system at the deadline to improve its rotation behind Price.

That’s a fair enough strategy given Boston’s depth and position as a World Series contender. However, there is one prospect the Red Sox should hang on to no matter the offer.

Benintendi has made it all the way to Double-A less than a calendar year after being drafted and has taken over the No. 1 ranking in the Red Sox system. The 21-year-old has shown excellent plate discipline and contact ability while also playing solid defense. It’s not out of the question to think Benintendi could contribute in September or October of this year.

Instead the Red Sox could look to deal from other positions of strength. As the Red Sox have three viable catchers, Blake Swihart could be a nice trade chip, along with Rusney Castillo if Boston is willing to eat some salary.

Boston will sell some prospects at the deadline, but Benintendi could both contribute in the Majors this year and help the Red Sox be a consistent contender in the future.

Next: Chicago White Sox: Addressing pitching instead of offense

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