MLB Insider Cites Three ‘Needs’ Red Sox Will Pursue Before Deadline

The Boston Red Sox are similar to the team with the best record in baseball: They’re looking for the same things before the MLB trade deadline.

Appearing on the FOX Sports broadcast before the Red Sox faced the Cubs on Saturday night, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal listed the biggest needs for Craig Breslow and company. Ironically, Rosenthal said Chicago is in the market for all the above.

“Both also are looking for the same thing: A starting pitcher good enough to take the ball in a postseason series,” Rosenthal said on the pregame broadcast before Boston’s 6-0 loss. “The problem is very few of those pitchers are likely to be available, and these teams have other needs as well.

“Both are looking for a corner infielder — the Red Sox a first baseman and the Cubs a third baseman. And both, like all contenders, are also likely to explore bullpen help.”

Rosenthal’s sentiments pertaining to the Red Sox probably don’t come as much surprise. Boston has been linked to a few starting pitchers, including Minnesota Twins high-priced target Joe Ryan, as well as Baltimore Orioles first baseman Ryan O’Hearn and others.

Boston, which entered the MLB All-Star break having won 10 straight games, has lost each of its two contests in Chicago. The Red Sox will try to prevent a series sweep at Wrigley Field on Sunday afternoon — amid a pivotal stretch if the club wants Breslow to improve their positions of need.