The Boston Red Sox return from the All-Star Break with a doubleheader against the first-place Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park, where they'll look to extend their stunning nine-game winning streak.
The surging Red Sox won 14 of 16 before the break, pulling to within half a game of a wild card spot in the American League. According to FanGraphs, their playoff odds were at 40.1 percent entering play on Friday.
Accordingly, Boston is now more likely to buy rather than sell at the Aug. 3 trade deadline, barring a complete collapse over the next two weeks. The Red Sox will likely hold on to their veterans, including Sonny Gray and All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman.
The Red Sox open the 2nd half with a 40.1% chance of reaching the postseason, per @fangraphs.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 17, 2026
An Aroldis Chapman trade is increasingly unlikely to happen at all.
"An Aroldis Chapman trade is increasingly unlikely to happen at all," MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported on X on Friday.
Chapman has been one of the best closers in baseball over the last two years, so Boston will need him for the stretch run if it wants to make the postseason.
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