Red Sox Reportedly Linked To Former Fan-Favorite Fireballer In Possible Deadline Deal

Should the Red Sox consider a reunion with a fiery relief pitcher?

The Boston Red Sox are one of the hottest teams in all of baseball right now.

Boston enters Tuesday's tilt against the lowly Oakland Athletics winners of two straight games and eight of its last 10 games. The Red Sox currently sit a season-high seven games above .500 at 51-44 and are just one-and-a-half games behind the Houston Astros for an American League Wild Card spot. 

The 2023 Major League Baseball Trade Deadline is quickly approaching and if the Red Sox continue to win at this rate, they could find themselves adding a few players rather than selling. One position of need is relief pitching and one player who reportedly has been mentioned as a possible fit for Boston is Chicago White Sox fireballer, Joe Kelly, according to WEEI's Rob Bradford.

"But what can be bolstered is the next tier of righties relievers, which is going to be relying on the soon-to-be-returning John Schreiber, as well as Nick Pivetta," Bradford said. "Keep an eye on the White Sox list of potentially-available relievers, Reynaldo Lopez, Keynan Middleton, and, yes, Joe Kelly (who returns from the injured list this week).

"But beware: The Red Sox aren't the only team prioritizing those sorts of bullpen arms. After the acquisition of Aroldis Chapman, the Rangers have put their sights on the same group, with the Rays also pounding the pavement for hard-throwing set-up men."

Kelly has found his name in trade rumors at points this season and this isn't the first time he's been linked to Boston. The 35-year-old spent five seasons with the Red Sox and developed into one of the organization's fan favorites. Kelly's season with Boston was in 2018 and he was a major part of the World Series-winning club.

The righty currently is injured, but if he's healthy shortly, could make perfect sense for the Red Sox and may not cost much.

More MLB: Phillies Reportedly Linked To Intriguing Red Sox Slugger In Possible Trade Deadline Deal