Pair Of Ex-Red Sox Hurlers Expected To Be Traded; Reunion On The Horizon?
A pair of old friends could be making his rounds back to the Boston Red Sox by the trade deadline.
MLB.com's Mark Feinsand listed 12 pitchers who may be on the move for the Aug. 1 trade deadline, two of which are former Red Sox pitchers: Joe Kelly and Daniel Bard.
Kelly has been a solid reliever for the Chicago White Sox this season, a team that will be forced to sell due to their 32-44 record. Chicago would be wise to capitalize on his value amid what should be a complete firesale.
Kelly has posted a 4.37 ERA, 30-to-7 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .233 batting average against, and a 1.24 WHIP in 22 2/3 innings pitched across 24 games. Outside of two rough back-to-back outings in April, he's been solid for the White Sox.
Bard may be on the move with the Colorado Rockies far out of contention. Either way, he has shown his value to the club since he signed in 2020.
Bard has been a solid piece for the Rockies this year, with an impressive 1.52 ERA, 23-to-21 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .188 batting average against, and a 1.52 WHP in 23 2/3 innings pitched across 23 games.
Would the Red Sox be a logical fit for either, or both of these relievers?
The Athletic's Jim Bowden reported that the Red Sox "have been shopping for relief help" as they attempt to improve their pitching staff this summer. For that to happen, they'd have to still be in the postseason conversation by the Aug. 1 Major League Baseball trade deadline. For the sake of discussion, let's assume they do.
Boston needs to stay under the luxury tax threshold this season after failing to do so last year. According to Spotrac, Boston has just under $18 million to play with -- though those numbers are rarely an exact science.
Bard is being paid $9.5 million this season and will have the same hit next year. Kelly is making $9 million with a $9.5 million club option next season. The salaries would be prorated and the Red Sox could always attempt to convince the Rockies or White Sox to absorb some salary in a potential deadline deal.
Boston certainly could make both of these deals work, with the ability to retain either player for next season. Bard has the edge in performance and would be the more enticing asset for a potential playoff run.
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