The Boston Red Sox went into the All-Star break riding a nine-game winning streak and are just a half game out of a wild card spot entering play on Friday.
A couple of weeks ago, the Red Sox were thought to be clear sellers at the trade deadline, but that is no longer the case. Suddenly, Sonny Gray and Aroldis Chapman seem like vital pieces for a deep run, rather than players who can be leveraged for young assets. However, the answer to buying or selling is not so easy.
"For now, their plans are fluid. Boston isn't discounting pursuing help before Aug. 3," ESPN's Jeff Passan revealed on Friday. "The Red Sox also know that, for an entire half of the season, they personified mediocrity and that 15 games does not a season make. So, like many others, they're weighing their options, knowing that if they stumble, they can pivot into dump mode and make a killing with Chapman as well as potentially Gray, Willson Contreras and Garrett Whitlock."
If the Red Sox decide to buy, they could be targeting a right-handed bat and relievers. However, if they decide to sell, they will have plenty of players to leverage for young assets.
Chapman could be the player teams most covet. The veteran reliever is a proven closer with plenty of postseason experience. He could change the outlook of any bullpen, and was named an All-Star this year and last.