3 last-minute trades Red Sox need to make before the deadline

The Red Sox did draft Anthony Rizzo out of high school several years ago

With him expected to be traded any day now, it looks to be the end of an era on the North Side. That’s right. The Chicago Cubs are expected to deal first baseman Anthony Rizzo at the deadline. He has spent the last decade with the Cubs after breaking in with the San Diego Padres initially. However, the team who drafted him out of high school has serious interest in him: The Red Sox.

Rizzo is in a contract year and could walk away from whatever team who trades for him in free agency. Then again, he could sign a multi-year deal with a team like the Red Sox if he sees himself playing out the better part of his 30s in Massachusetts. The three-time All-Star has won four Gold Gloves and a Silver Slugger during his 10 years playing for the Cubs. He is in the midst of his prime.

Boston has a glaring need a first base. With power and a slick glove, Rizzo checks all the boxes of a future Red Sox star. Even better, he is incredibly charismatic and would be a beloved player in Boston if he plays up to his lofty standards. Of course, the Cubs are not going to deal him for a bag of baseballs. Trading for him requires Boston to give up its best prospect or two. Rizzo is worth it.

Ultimately, the Red Sox need to keep pace with the other World Series contenders in the American League such as the Chicago White Sox and the Houston Astros at the deadline. Chicago and Houston have made big deals already, and the Red Sox brass will not want to fall behind. If they make the right trade or two, Boston could have what it takes to win the American League pennant.

What other players should the Red Sox look at add as the trade deadline is rapidly approaching?