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MLB trade rumors: 5 moves Red Sox should make

By Joshua Sadlock

May 7, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale (41) pitches to the Minnesota Twins in the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
May 7, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale (41) pitches to the Minnesota Twins in the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Boston Red Sox have barely been able to stay above .500 this year, so how can they shake things up?

Several different factors have contributed to a listless start to the 2017 season for the Red Sox. Expected to run away with the AL East crown and headline the American League’s crop of World Series contenders, the BoSox currently sit in third place in their division with a record of 19-18. This is not the start many envisioned for one of the most dangerous teams in baseball.

Things aren’t going to get any easier for the Red Sox while they attempt to heat up. The Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees are off to hot starts, while the Toronto Blue Jays have won five in a row entering play on Monday night. The AL East is always the toughest division in baseball, and that continues to be the case this season.

There is no reason to fully down on the Red Sox just yet. Ace David Price could be returning soon, and Mookie Betts is beginning to hit the ball with power. Then there’s Andrew Benintendi, who is not just a Rookie of the Year candidate, but an MVP candidate as well. While it is way too early to count the Red Sox out in the division, their roster could use some shaking up. Here are five moves that could get them back on track to claim another AL East title.

5. Go back to the well with the White Sox

The Red Sox made the biggest trade of the winter last year when they acquired Chris Sale from the Chicago White Sox. There is a level of familiarity between the front offices, their farm systems, and their MLB assets. Chicago still has one more piece that the Red Sox could use — Jose Quintana.

Boston’s rotation has been racked by injuries so far this season. Sale has been phenomenal and is pitching like a man possessed. He is the front runner for the AL Cy Young. Behind him, however, the rotation has struggled to stay healthy. Price was showing signs of decline last season, and an elbow injury could further sap his velocity. Rick Porcello has also come back down to earth. The Red Sox desperately need another starter in their rotation to cover for Drew Pomeranz, Kyle Kendrick, and Steven Wright.

Even with Sale pitching as well as he has, the Red Sox staff has an ERA of 4.42, which is 19th in the league. Quintana’s trade value may have declined slightly as he struggles with his command this season. With the addition of the second wild card, there will still be a feeding frenzy to drive up his price. The Red Sox may be able to further sweeten a deal with the White Sox by being willing to take on another bad-money contract from the rebuilding team.

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