Rafael Devers pleads his case for Red Sox to buy at MLB trade deadline

Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers is pleading with Boston brass to get aggressive and buy starting pitching at the MLB trade deadline.

The Red Sox are sitting fourth in the AL East, but they’re 56-49 and 2.5 games out of a wild card spot. The playoffs are still a possibility and players like Rafael Devers want the support from the front office it will take to get there.

Devers told Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe  as much this weekend with the MLB trade deadline quickly approaching.

“We would like them to reward us with a few good players coming in before the deadline. I think that’s something we’re looking forward to,” Devers said.

As to what form those players should take, Devers highlighted pitching as a particular need.

Rafael Devers is begging the Red Sox to add pitching at the MLB trade deadline

The Red Sox haven’t had great luck on the injury front. Chris Sale has been out while Tanner Houck, Garrett Whitlock and Kluber have found themselves on IL. And those returns may be enough for Boston to stand still. Then again, even with those players back, Boston could always use another starter to strengthen the rotation.

In terms of runs scored, the Red Sox are one of the more impressive outfits in the American League. However, they’ve given up too many runs throughout the campaign, resulting in their current predicament.

Last week, the Red Sox picked up Mauricio Llovera from the Giants. They also added to potential bullpen depth with Nick Robertson and Justin Hagenman from the Dodgers in the Kiké Hernández trade.

So Chaim Bloom and company have addressed the bullpen. A rotational arm would be next on the docket if Devers had his way.

Of course, there could also be outs coming. Adam Duvall has been floated as a potential trade option or Alex Verdugo as an alternative.

The Red Sox have until 6:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Aug. 1, when the MLB trade deadline arrives to decide their course of action.