MLB Notebook: Red Sox must be aggressive buyers at the trade deadline; Why the Tigers can't afford to keep Tarik Skubal; Around the league and more

The MLB trade deadline is less than two weeks away, and the Red Sox have gone from likely sellers to clear buyers.

Boston enters deadline season riding a 12-game winning streak and firmly in the American League playoff race, putting chief baseball officer Craig Breslow in position to strengthen the roster for the stretch run rather than subtract from it.

The Red Sox currently occupy the AL's final Wild Card spot, holding a one-game lead over both the Mariners and Twins. They're also just five games behind the Yankees for the top Wild Card position, which would move Boston into second place in the AL East.

They're hardly alone in the race. Six American League clubs sit within 3 1/2 games of the final Wild Card berth, meaning competition for impact players is expected to be fierce.

Boston's offense has looked like a completely different lineup over the past few weeks, while the starting rotation has become one of the club's biggest strengths. If the Red Sox want to sustain their midseason turnaround and make a legitimate postseason push, the focus should be on adding an impact right-handed bat.

This winter's free-agent class is light on middle-of-the-order hitters, making the trade market the best opportunity for Boston to add a controllable offensive piece who can help both this season and beyond.

The Red Sox Should be Aggressive at the Trade Deadline

Hunter Goodman, C/1B, Rockies

Goodman may be the cleanest fit for what Boston needs.

The Red Sox have both Carlos Narváez and Connor Wong behind the plate, but adding Goodman would give them another middle-of-the-order bat while also providing flexibility at catcher, first base and designated hitter. Still just pre-arbitration, Goodman remains under club control through the 2029 season, making him more than a rental.

The 25-year-old is hitting .251/.321/.532 with 27 home runs, 15 doubles, 51 RBI and an .853 OPS. While his strikeout rate has climbed to 32.2 percent, he's also increased his walk rate and maintained a 118 wRC+ for the second consecutive season.

The Yankees are also expected to pursue catching help, which could mean Boston faces competition if Colorado makes Goodman available.

The biggest adjustment would be learning a new pitching staff during the middle of the season, but the Red Sox could ease that transition by splitting his time between catcher and first base while occasionally using Willson Contreras at DH.

Colorado is in full rebuild mode, and Boston has the type of pitching depth that should interest the Rockies.

Anthony Eyanson headlines that group after emerging as one of baseball's fastest-rising pitching prospects. The right-hander owns a 1.19 ERA with 79 strikeouts between High-A and Double-A and recently climbed to No. 33 in Baseball America's Top 100 prospects. 

Kyson Witherspoon, Marcus Phillips and Juan Valera could also draw Colorado's attention, while Franklin Arias is almost certain to be mentioned in negotiations but remains someone Boston would be reluctant to move.

Byron Buxton, OF, Twins

Buxton is probably the longest shot on this list, but his talent makes him worth discussing.

The three-time All-Star is under contract through 2028 on a team-friendly seven-year, $100 million deal and owns full no-trade protection. Earlier this month, Buxton made his feelings clear.

"I ain't going nowhere," Buxton said back on July 13 to media. 

Still, circumstances can change if Minnesota decides to sell and a contender comes calling.

Buxton has played at an MVP level when healthy, batting .271/.328/.576 with 25 home runs, 45 RBI and a .904 OPS in 75 games.

Boston already has an overcrowded outfield, meaning a deal would almost certainly require moving Jarren Duran or finding a taker for Masataka Yoshida. If the Red Sox could make the pieces fit, however, Buxton would add another impact right-handed bat to the lineup.

Luis García Jr., 1B/2B, Nationals

García Jr. is one of the more intriguing controllable bats who could be available.

After moving primarily to first base this season, García has broken out offensively, hitting .284/.317/.554 with 20 home runs and a 136 OPS+ after posting a 95 OPS+ a year ago.

According to The Athletic, multiple teams have expressed interest, though trade discussions remain in the early stages as Washington weighs whether to move one of its most productive hitters.

The Nationals' organizational depth at first base could ultimately make García expendable. Top prospects Yohandy Morales and Abimelec Ortiz are nearing the major leagues, potentially giving Washington the flexibility to deal García for young pitching.

For Boston, García would add another middle-of-the-order bat with positional versatility (not the greatest) and is arb-eligible next season and a free agent after next season, making him a short-term option if the Red Sox are looking beyond just a two-month rental.

Breslow has weathered the storm, just two months ago, national analysts were openly questioning whether he should keep his job. After the Red Sox stumbled to a 32-46 start, Breslow made the franchise-altering decision to fire manager Alex Cora and several members of his coaching staff on April 25.

"By acting today, it gives us 135 games ahead of us," Breslow said following the move. "We've got almost a full season's worth of runway to take advantage of this fresh start and ultimately compete for a division and a deep postseason run the way we envisioned heading into spring training.

"We believe in the group of players that we have in the clubhouse. We believe a new direction was warranted, new voices, and something that enabled us to get a fresh start."

That fresh start has changed the trajectory of Boston's season.

The Red Sox have fought their way back into the playoff race despite playing much of the season without Roman Anthony and Garrett Crochet. If they're serious about making a run, however, standing pat shouldn't be an option.

Even with their recent offensive surge, Boston entered Friday tied for 24th in Major League Baseball in runs scored. Adding an impact bat should be the club's top priority before the trade deadline, especially with Anthony, Crochet and several other key contributors expected back later this season.

Just a few weeks ago, the Red Sox looked destined to sell. Instead, they've earned the right to buy. One hot stretch changed the conversation, and it's now up to Breslow to capitalize on it.

Could the A's Trade Shea Langeliers?

The Athletics appear to be headed toward selling.

After losing 10 of their last 11 games, they've fallen 14 games below .500, and that recent slide could shape their approach ahead of the trade deadline. According to MLB Network's Jon Heyman, the A's are "open to anything."

Could that include All-Star catcher Shea Langeliers?

Langeliers, 28, has developed into one of baseball's top all-around catchers. Through 88 games, he's slashing .258/.327/.490 with 22 home runs, 52 RBI and a career-best offensive season in his fifth year in the majors.

Any deal would come at a premium. Langeliers is under club control through the 2028 season, giving the Athletics little incentive to move him unless they're overwhelmed by an offer.

Oakland has already signed several young core players, Lawrence Butler, Tyler Soderstrom and Brent Rooker, to long-term extensions. However, Heyman reported negotiations with Langeliers "went nowhere," leaving open the possibility that the club could eventually explore a trade.

The Yankees are searching for an offensive upgrade behind the plate after their catchers have combined for a .519 OPS this season. The Red Sox should be among the teams doing their homework. If Boston decides not to pursue Goodman, Langeliers may represent an even more attractive target. He's a proven middle-of-the-order right-handed bat, plays a premium defensive position and remains under club control for two more seasons after this one, making him a player who could help both now and well into the future.

The Mets Selling?

The Mets have become one of the more intriguing teams to watch ahead of the trade deadline.

According to reports, New York is unwilling to move top prospects Nolan McLean, Christian Scott, Juan Soto, A.J. Ewing and Carson Benge. That leaves several notable veterans potentially available, including Francisco Lindor, Bo Bichette, Jorge Polanco, Freddy Peralta, Sean Manaea, Luke Weaver, and A.J. Minter.

Lindor is the biggest name on that list, but also the most complicated.

The 32-year-old is still owed roughly $160 million through 2031 and owns full no-trade protection as a 10-and-5 player. While his numbers have dipped this season, it's probably unwise to count him out. Lindor finished in the top 10 of National League MVP voting in each of the previous four seasons and was playing well before a calf injury sidelined him for two months.

The Red Sox could afford to absorb a contract of that magnitude, but the fit is questionable. Boston already has Trevor Story under contract, and Marcelo Mayer is viewed as its long-term answer at shortstop (maybe). Adding another expensive, injury-prone shortstop doesn't seem like the best use of resources.

Bichette is another interesting name. Like Lindor, he has no-trade protection and controls his own destiny. He's also expected to opt out of his three-year, $126 million contract after the season, making a trade less likely. The Red Sox had interest in Bichette last winter before he ultimately signed a short-term deal with the Mets.

The Red Sox could use another experienced right-handed reliever, and Weaver has been one of baseball's most effective bullpen arms. Since June 1, he's allowed just two hits and no earned runs over 14 appearances while posting a 19-to-3 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He also brings postseason experience after serving as the Yankees' closer during their 2024 World Series run.

The Phillies and several other contenders are expected to pursue Weaver, so the acquisition cost likely won't be cheap.

Tarik Skubal to Remain in Detroit?

Despite the rumors, it still feels unlikely the Tigers will move Skubal.

Detroit's schedule before the trade deadline is favorable, with series against the Angels, Cubs, Royals, Orioles and Athletics. Unless the Tigers unexpectedly fall out of contention, there's little reason for them to seriously entertain offers before the deadline.

Even if Skubal becomes available, acquiring him would come with significant risk.

The left-hander is scheduled to become a free agent after the season, is owed nearly $10 million the rest of the way and has yet to pitch deeper than six innings since returning from elbow surgery. Any acquiring club would be paying a premium for what amounts to a two-month rental.

If Detroit does decide to move him, the Dodgers, Cubs, Braves and Rays appear to be the most logical landing spots.

The Rays have never been afraid to think creatively. They successfully converted Griffin Jax and Ian Seymour into starters and reportedly offered Junior Caminero and Carson Williams to the Angels for Shohei Ohtani before he reached free agency.

The Dodgers, meanwhile, have both the financial flexibility and prospect depth to make a blockbuster happen. As ESPN's Jeff Passan noted, Los Angeles has the type of farm system Detroit would love to target. A package built around Emmet Sheehan, Zyhir Hope and Aidan West would be a strong starting point, though Skubal's asking price would likely be even higher.

Red Sox Injury Updates

The Red Sox have picked up right where they left off before the All-Star break, and reinforcements could soon be on the way.

Boston expects left-hander Ranger Suarez to return from the injured list this week, with a chance to start at Fenway Park against the Orioles.

"Ranger is doing much better," interim manager Chad Tracy said. "We'll see how he is over these next couple days and decide if that's going to be the day or if we need to give him a few more days before we pencil him back into the rotation."

Connelly Early is also making encouraging progress. The left-hander resumed throwing just over two weeks after leaving his June 30 start with elbow soreness. Tests revealed only posterior irritation, and he could be back sooner rather than later.

"Connelly threw at the tail end of the break, which is good," Tracy said. "He's gonna throw 75 feet today, 90 feet tomorrow. We'll just keep, as he increases distance, read and react to how he's feeling. That's a good sign."

The news isn't as encouraging for Anthony or Crochet.

Crochet, who landed on the injured list April 29 with shoulder fatigue before suffering a lat strain during his rehab, still has not resumed throwing. Anthony, sidelined since May 4 after injuring himself on a swing in Detroit, has progressed to defensive work in Fort Myers but still isn't comfortable gripping a bat.

"Garrett, it's the same. There's no change," Tracy said. "He's still doing a lot of work to strengthen the rotator cuff so there's no change as far as when he's going to throw yet.

"Roman, status quo as of now. I know he's feeling a little bit better but nothing imminent yet as far as him swinging."

Marcelo Mayer and Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who are both recovering from stress reactions in a forearm bone, remain shut down from swinging. Both are scheduled to undergo X-rays and meet with a hand specialist early next week before the club determines the next step in their recoveries.

"IKF and Celo are due for X-rays and to see a hand specialist next week, probably Monday or Tuesday," Tracy said. "We'll have a better idea of how they're healing once they do that."

Story Nearing Next Step

Trevor Story, who underwent sports hernia surgery on May 22, has not yet been cleared for a rehab assignment but continues to ramp up baseball activities in Boston and could begin one within the next few weeks.

"Doing everything hitting-wise, just increasing intensity of baseball activity with everything else as we go along," Tracy said. "Still nothing imminent there as far as a rehab or anything like that."

Other Rehab Notes

Several other injured Red Sox continue progressing in Fort Myers:

- Johan Oviedo (right elbow flexor strain) is scheduled to throw his first bullpen session next week.

- Tanner Houck (Tommy John surgery) is throwing off a mound twice a week.

- Kutter Crawford (forearm setback) has stretched out to 100 feet in his throwing program.

- Triston Casas remains shut down after suffering a wrist injury while rehabbing from last year's knee surgery.

Red Sox Notes

The Red Sox officially released left-hander Danny Coulombe after designating him for assignment last week. Coulombe posted a 4.50 ERA in 29 appearances and was one game shy of earning a $75,000 appearance bonus.

Around the League

The Phillies announced that right-hander Brad Keller has been placed on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to July 13, with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. The club has not announced whether he'll undergo Tommy John surgery, but if he does, the procedure would likely sideline him through most, if not all, of the 2027 season.

Keller reinvented himself as a reliever with the Cubs last season, posting a 2.03 ERA across 69 2/3 innings while striking out 27.2% of opposing hitters. Philadelphia rewarded him with a two-year, $22 million contract this past offseason, making the injury an especially difficult blow.

Brewers right-hander Brandon Woodruff announced his season is over after deciding to undergo capsule surgery on his throwing shoulder.

The procedure is expected to sideline the 33-year-old through at least part of the 2027 season, though Woodruff told reporters he has no plans to retire.

It's another devastating setback for one of baseball's best pitchers over the past decade. Woodruff previously underwent capsule surgery in October 2023, costing him the entire 2024 season, while ankle and elbow issues delayed his return until July 2025. This will be the second capsule surgery of his career.

Earlier this week, Milwaukee made one of the more intriguing buy-low trades of the deadline, acquiring Lance McCullers Jr. and left-hander Colton Gordon from Houston for outfield prospect Jadyn Fielder.

The Brewers will absorb roughly $2.5 million of the remaining money owed to McCullers, who has struggled to regain his pre-injury form after missing significant time. If any organization can unlock another level, however, it's Milwaukee, which has recently helped revitalize pitchers like Quinn Priester and Kyle Harrison.

Fielder, the son of Brewers legend Prince Fielder, hit .233/.415/.398 in Low-A this season.

 The Orioles locked up another member of their young core, signing right-hander Kyle Bradish to a five-year, $90 million extension that keeps him under contract through 2031.

The deal buys out Bradish's final two arbitration seasons plus three years of free agency. It's the second long-term extension Baltimore has given a starting pitcher this season after Shane Baz signed a five-year deal during Opening Week.

The Reds also secured one of baseball's brightest young arms, signing Chase Burns to a seven-year, $105 million extension.

The deal begins next season and buys out two free-agent years for the former No. 2 overall pick, who has emerged as one of the National League's best pitchers. Burns owns a 2.54 ERA across 102 2/3 innings in his first full big league season.

Even after signing Burns to a long-term extension, the Reds could still move one of their veteran starters before the trade deadline. Right-hander Brady Singer, who is set to become a free agent after the season, is 4-9 with a 4.56 ERA in his second year with Cincinnati. However, he's turned things around since late May, posting a 2.76 ERA over his last eight starts.

The bigger question is whether Cincinnati truly views JJ Bleday as part of its long-term core. He's under club control for two more seasons after this one, and the Reds may believe his breakout is sustainable. He's raised his on-base percentage from .294 to .350 while cutting his strikeout rate from 36.9% to 28%. On the other hand, after launching 16 first-half home runs, Cincinnati could decide this is the perfect time to sell high and maximize his trade value.

Ohtani will not make his scheduled pitching start against the Phillies on Wednesday, manager Dave Roberts announced Sunday.

Roberts said the club is giving Ohtani additional time to recover from lingering soreness in his left knee and acknowledged the reigning NL MVP could miss more than one turn through the rotation.

The Dodgers still expect Ohtani to pitch again this season, but they're opting for a cautious approach.

"It's going to be some time," Roberts said. "I'd say that it's not going to be a day-to-day thing."

Rival executives believe the Padres will be one of the deadline's most fascinating teams.

Bob Nightengale reported that multiple executives are convinced San Diego will both buy and sell, with All-Star closer Mason Miller viewed as the club's most likely trade chip. 

Speaking of San Diego, the Padres may already be feeling the effects of trading Leo De Vries, who went in the Miller deal last summer.

The consensus No. 2 prospect in baseball was promoted to Triple-A by the Athletics on Friday, continuing his rapid ascent through the minors.

The Cubs acquired veteran right-hander Aaron Civale from the Athletics after he was designated for assignment.

Civale struggled to a 5.42 ERA in 16 appearances with Oakland and allowed eight earned runs over his final seven innings before the All-Star break.

The Athletics received right-handed pitching prospect Aiden Moffett, who has struck out hitters at an impressive clip but has also walked 42 batters in just 22⅓ innings this season.

Blue Jays great Duane Ward died this weekend at the age of 62.

Ward was one half of one of baseball's most dominant late-inning duos during Toronto's back-to-back World Series championships in 1992 and 1993. The organization announced he died of natural causes after arriving in Toronto for the club's championship reunion weekend, which also included the unveiling of Joe Carter's iconic World Series home run statue.

Ward remains one of the most accomplished relievers in franchise history.

Down on the Farm

Former Red Sox pitching prospect Brandon Clarke, who was traded to the Cardinals over the winter in the Sonny Gray deal, reached 103.1 mph on Saturday, becoming just the second left-handed pitcher to hit 103 mph in the pitch-tracking era.

Clarke threw 16 pitches at 100 mph or better among his 36 total pitches while helping Low-A Palm Beach to a 7-4 victory over St. Lucie at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium.

The Boston Red Sox continued adding to their 2026 draft class by signing ninth-round pick Martin Shelar to a reported $1.5 million bonus, according to MassLive's Chris Cotillo. The deal comes in well above slot value and underscores Boston's commitment to keeping the talented high school outfielder from honoring his commitment to Mississippi State.

Shelar, one of the more intriguing Day 2 selections in this year's draft, is viewed as an impact right-handed hitter with elite bat speed and strength, giving him some of the highest power upside among prep prospects. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound outfielder starred at Marist High School in Georgia after impressing on the 2025 showcase circuit, hitting better than .500 with 19 home runs during his senior season.

Scouts believe the power is legitimate, with Shelar consistently driving the baseball with authority and projecting to develop into a middle-of-the-order run producer if everything clicks.

The Red Sox announced Friday that they have signed 16 of their 19 selections from the 2026 MLB Draft, including first-round pick Jake Schaffner and each of their first 13 picks.

Boston's draft strategy centered on creating bonus pool flexibility. Schaffner, the No. 20 overall pick out of North Carolina, signed for a reported $2 million bonus, well below the $4,373,900 slot value for his selection.

Much of those savings were redirected to prep prospects later in the draft. Third-round pick Jace Mataczynski, a Wisconsin high school shortstop committed to Auburn, signed for a reported $2 million bonus. Competitive Balance Round A selection Owen Hull, Schaffner's teammate at North Carolina, received a reported $1.2 million signing bonus.

The Red Sox also went well above slot to sign 10th-round pick Kaleb LaFavor, an Iowa high school right-hander. His slot value was less than $200,000, but MLB.com's Jim Callis reported he received an $847,500 bonus. 

At 6-foot-7 and 195 pounds, LaFavor has a physical build reminiscent of Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski, who stands 6-foot-7 and 201 pounds.

“I guess if we’re trying to dream big here and in a Jacob Misiorowski mold, he fits the bill,” Red Sox director of amateur scouting Jake Bruml said after the draft.

This Day in Baseball

1909: Cleveland shortstop Neal Ball recorded the first unassisted triple play in modern Major League history during a game against the Boston Red Sox.

1933: Boston Red Sox catcher Rick Ferrell homered off his brother, Wes Ferrell, who was pitching for the Cleveland Indians. Wes also went deep in the game, making it the only time the brothers homered in the same contest.

1994: The Kingdome, home of the Seattle Mariners, was closed after four ceiling tiles plunged nearly 180 feet into the seating area behind home plate. The Mariners embarked on a 22-day road trip before the season was ultimately cut short by the players' strike.