The Boston Red Sox are starting to slowly turn their season around, and yet the speculation around the club continues to be about which players Boston should trade elsewhere.
For example, ESPN's David Schoenfield urged both the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Miami Marlins to go out and acquire Aroldis Chapman, if Boston makes him available.
"Pittsburgh Pirates/Miami Marlins: Trade for Chapman," Schoenfield wrote. "The Pirates and Marlins are looking to add at the deadline? In the same year? What kind of parlor trick is this? Yes, both teams are in the playoff picture, both could use a closer, and Chapman's prorated $13 million salary is affordable for both franchises.
"The Pirates are in the bottom half of the majors in bullpen ERA and win probability added as Gregory Soto, the primary closer, has a terrible ratio of 11 saves to four blown saves and is too erratic to be a playoff closer. ... The red-hot Marlins are suddenly in the rare position of adding at the deadline."
The Marlins have been one of the biggest shockers in baseball this year with a 48-42 record through 90 games. The Pirates have been a bit of a surprise themselves with a 46-45 record. Boston is nine games below .500 at 39-48, but the American League is weak enough to the point that Boston is not out of it yet. At this point, Boston arguably shouldn't make a move yet and give itself a chance to turn things around more.