Red Sox Loosely Linked To Pair Of Former Players; Reunions Make Sense

Boston could use both players to boost their current roster

If The Boston Red Sox are looking to buy before the Aug. 1 deadline and compete for a postseason berth, there could be some familiar names in the mix.

Baseball Essential's Kade Kisner came up with trade hypotheticals who, if acquired, could help put Boston in contention -- two of which spent time in the organization. 

The first trade involves starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez of the Detroit Tigers, who was a longstanding member of the Red Sox's rotation. Rodriguez has an impressive 2.64 ERA, a 74-to-16 strikeout-to-walk ratio, a .215 batting average against, and a 1.00 WHIP in 71 2/3 innings pitched across 12 games.

"He had a relatively pedestrian 2022 season, but this year has been incredible when healthy." Kisner wrote. "He has an opt-out after this season, which makes it difficult for teams to gauge whether he is a rental or if he will finish out his contract that ends after the 2026 season."

Another familiar face who could make his way back to the organization is Houston Astros second-baseman Mauricio Dubón. The utility man would be a "Swiss Army Knife" for the Red Sox as he can play any position except for pitcher and catcher. Dubón is hitting .279, with 20 extra-base hits including four home runs, 21 RBIs and a .701 OPS in 72 games. 

"With Altuve due back soon, Dubon could be an excess luxury the Astros are willing to move in order to fortify a package and acquire an upgrade of their own."

Dubón is under team control through 2026 and could cost more than he's worth given the influx of middle infielders set to reach the big leagues for Boston in the coming years, but a reliable utility man has value.

The trades are just speculation, but I believe the Red Sox would without a doubt welcome these two back with open arms. If a deal is to be done, the Aug. 1 trade deadline is steadily creeping up.

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