MLB Insider Outlines Trade Red Sox Will Make By Deadline

This could fix Boston's top problem

The Boston Red Sox are heading into the Aug. 1 trade deadline in a relatively similar position as last year. A few games out of a postseason spot and the fan base wondering what direction the team intends to go with their moves.

Though this year, there is a lot more reason to be positive.

The Red Sox are 13-5 over their last 18 games and have the top-producing lineup in the American League over that stretch. Jarren Duran, Triston Casas, Rafael Devers, Justin Turner, and Masataka Yoshida all have an OPS over 1.000 since June 30. Safe to say the bats are on fire.

So it would seem clear that the lineup doesn't need much fixing. The starting rotation, however, remains a major question mark.

With starters Chris Sale, Garrett Whitlock, and Tanner Houck still on the injured list and having no specific return dates yet, the rotation could really use some help.

ESPN's Jeff Passan, in his first article since suffering from a very serious back injury a few weeks ago, hinted at a move that he expects the Red Sox to make within the next week.

“The two most pedigreed AL East teams, New York and Boston, aren’t ignoring the fact that they’re in last place in their division — but because they are in New York and Boston, they’re not punting, either,” Passan wrote Tuesday. “New York needs a bat and Boston an arm, and both are likely to get them in the coming week.”

By "an arm" I have to think Passan is alluding to a starter who can eat up innings and take away some of the headaches for manager Alex Cora of needing to figure out how to navigate through multiple bullpen games each week.

Detroit Tigers starter Eduardo Rodriguez would seem to be a great option for the Sox if they are really looking to make a big splash and bring back one of their more consistent starters from years past. While I think they would rather get a back end of the rotation piece, I'd be very excited for an E-Rod return to Boston.

More MLB: Red Sox Reportedly Would Like To Trade For Middle Infielder Ahead Of Deadline