Top 5 trade deadline targets for the Boston Red Sox

Top 5 trade targets for the Boston Red Sox

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 30: Rafael Devers #11 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates his first inning grand slam home run against the New York Yankees with teammates J.D. Martinez #28 (L), Mitch Moreland #18 and Xander Bogaerts #2 (R) at Yankee Stadium on June 30, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

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Mandatory Credit: John Sleezer/Kansas City Star-Getty Images /

4. Whit Merrifield

Dustin Pedroia has only played three games this season due to ongoing issues with his surgically-repaired knee, and it’s looking likely he will not return this season. Eduardo Nunez has been the primarily replacement for Pedroia, but he has shifted to third base over the last couple games to replace Devers. So Boston now has a hole at second base (no offense to Brock Holt).

Jon Heyman of Fancred Sports reported the Red Sox have been connected to Merrifield, who is having another good season (.302, .803 OPS, 16 stolen bases). But they have some competition for the Royals’ second baseman, as the Milwaukee Brewers and Philadelphia Phillies are also rumored to have interest.

Merrifield brings some versatility, with time in the outfield this year, to bolster his trade value. He’s also under team control through the 2022 season, which could either curb the Royals’ desire to trade him or allow them to get a greater return.

Merrifield’s power outburst last year (19 home runs) looks like an outlier. But the Red Sox don’t need that from him, and he can fill a need at second base as well as near the top of the lineup.

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