3 trades Boston Red Sox can make to be World Series favorites

2. Craig Kimbrel

Yes, the Red Sox have one of the best bullpens in the league, but that should not prevent them from making further additions. And why not bring back a familiar face in Craig Kimbrel, who is on a Chicago Cubs team that has already begun selling ahead of the trade deadline.

Kimbrel, like Gibson, is having a bounce-back campaign in 2021. The veteran closer’s first two seasons in the Windy City were disastrous, and it appeared to be going down the same track based off his play in spring training earlier this year. Yet, Kimbrel silenced the doubters with his impressive first half to the season.

Through 35 games, Kimbrel accumulated a 0.53 ERA, a 0.654 WHIP, 58 strikeouts and 21 saves in 35 games (33.2 innings).

The Red Sox already have the closer position filled with Matt Barnes, who’s strong play earned him a two-year contract extension last year. But by acquiring Kimbrel, the Red Sox could create a super bullpen with the eighth and ninth innings locked down. Plus, acquiring Kimbrel could take an option away from AL rivals like the Astros, who are in desperate need of a big-name reliever.