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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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Apr 18, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Red Sox first baseman Mitch Moreland (18) comes off the field after getting the final out in the sixth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Red Sox first baseman Mitch Moreland (18) comes off the field after getting the final out in the sixth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Find a platoon partner for Mitch Moreland

Mitch Moreland was a great story in April when he batted .273/.360/.477 with 12 doubles and 11 RBI. The inability of Hanley Ramirez to play the field has pushed Moreland into a full-time role. In reality, he is meant to be more of a platoon option, used in the right situations rather than pushed to play every day. After his hot start to the season, the first baseman has dropped off to a .214/.365/.286 line in May.

Moreland’s numbers are getting much closer to matching his career slash line of .254/.315/.438. His 15 doubles still lead baseball, but not for much longer. He is not a viable option at the plate in  late innings against left-handed specialists. Ramirez is unlikely to be pushed into playing first base for extended stretches this season because his bat is far more valuable than his glove.

A name to consider here would be Justin Smoak of the Toronto Blue Jays. He is having the best year of his career after seven disappointing years. The Jays are hot now, but that could change. If they slide out of playoff contention, Smoak could become available. The price could be driven up on a trade within the division, but it is a fit for the Red Sox.

Boston’s top first base prospect, Sam Travis, has hit left-handed pitching very well in the minor leagues. Last year, he slashed .300/.378/.400 against lefties. Adding Sam Travis to the rotation at first base (if a trade cannot be made) would allow the Red Sox to take pressure of Moreland and use him in the most advantageous situations while getting a look at a top prospect. A trade may come first, but if not, Travis will get a shot at some point this season.

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