Blockbuster Deal For Former Yankee Could Be Trade Needed To Put Red Sox In Contention

Boston may be just one piece away from competing

The Boston Red Sox have shown a lot of grit so far this season. 

Boston entered the 2023 season widely expected to finish in last place in the American League East and yet the club has found ways to win. The Red Sox are 16-14 through 30 games so far this season but that doesn't necessarily tell the whole story on their season so far. Boston has dealt with a plethora of injuries and are without the services of Adam Duvall and Trevor Story right now and the starting rotation has been ravaged by ailments to open the young season.

The Red Sox have found themselves down plenty this season, and yet they have continuously found ways to win games. Boston came back to beat the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday night for its MLB-leading 11th comeback victory so far this season. Boston's offense has been solid so far this season and the eventual returns of Duvall and Story should help even more. The club's starting rotation could use some work and if the club truly wants to compete for a post season berth, a trade may be necessary.

One player who potentially could be dealt this season that could make a massive difference for Boston is Minnesota Twins ace Sonny Gray. 

The 33-year-old is off to the best start of his career so far this season with the Twins. Gray is 4-0 through six starts and has compiled a league-best 0.77 ERA to go along with 41 strikeouts and just 12 walks. Gray is a two-time All-Star and if he can keep up his level of play and stay healthy is well on his way to his third appearance.

Minnesota currently is in first place in the American League Central at 17-12, but if the Twins hit a rough patch and fall out of playoff contention by the summer, a move could happen. Gray is a free agent at the end of the season and if he can continue to shine, will be in for a big payday. If Boston were able to acquire a player of Gray's caliber, it would give the club another top-of-the-rotation arm and truly put them in playoff contention. 

The Red Sox's offense has been surprisingly impressive and should get even better when Duvall and Story return. Chris Sale has struggled at times, but shown flashes of his old self. If he could fully return to form and Boston could add someone like Gray, it would give the team a fearsome duo at the top of the rotation. The Red Sox were in the market for a top-end starter this past offseason, so if Gray were to become available it would make sense for them to join the sweepstakes. He also has American League East experience after pitching for the New York Yankees, so that could help. 

There's no way for sure to know what will happen, but Boston could surprise some people especially if it could pull off a blockbuster trade. 

More MLB: Ex-Red Sox Slugger Replacing Aaron Judge On MLB Roster After Hip Injury