Red Sox, Cardinals Reportedly Linked In Possible Trade Deadline Swap Involving Slugger

Could Boston and St. Louis link up for a trade deadline deal involving a young slugger?

The Boston Red Sox likely will look different after the August 1 trade deadline.

At one point it seemed likely that Boston would look different due to selling at the trade deadline but that no longer is the case. The Red Sox more likely than not will be buyers ahead of the trade deadline and one team that could be a trade partner is the St. Louis Cardinals. The Red Sox reportedly could have interest in Cardinals infield trio Brendan Donovan, Tommy Edman, or Nolan Gorman, according to The Athletic's Tim Britton. 

"Chaim Bloom is prioritizing controllable talent. The Red Sox have a need in the middle infield, and their preference is to fill it with a left-handed bat," Britton said. "The Cardinals need to shift up their mix somehow, as there aren’t enough at-bats to go around for Brendan Donovan, Tommy Edman, and Nolan Gorman. And so Boston will give up legit prospect value (and potentially get a third team involved) for one of those three to play second base for the foreseeable future (though the versatility of Donovan and Edman could mean moving around down the line)."

Boston will have shortstop Trevor Story back shortly but the club could have interest in acquiring a new second baseman. Donovan, Edman, or Gorman all could be solid options if the Red Sox could make a move for any. Gorman likely would cost the most. The young slugger has clubbed 22 home runs so far this season and is just 23 years old. Donovan is 26 years old and already has a Gold Glove Award under his belt. He finished third in the National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2022 while playing all over the field. He has shined this season slashing .283/.365/.424 to go along with 11 home runs and 34 RBIs. 

Edman also has been solid this season for the Cardinals. The 28-year-old also has won a Gold Glove Award and can play all over the field. If the Red Sox were to make a deal, Donovan may be the best overall option, but any of the three would be solid additions. Gorman's power is extremely interesting and Edman's flexibility also could help. All in all, the Red Sox should pursue a deal with the Cardinals ahead of the trade deadline if the club wants to make a big splash.

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