MLB Insider Connects Red Sox to Rays’ Slugger

With Major League Baseball’s trade deadline fast approaching, baseball insiders continue to connect the Boston Red Sox to a slew of intriguing names rumored to be available around the league.

While a handful of notable deals have already been completed, including the rival New York Yankees acquiring third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies on Friday, the Red Sox have so far been quiet despite reports that teams like the San Diego Padres have approached them with trade discussions.

With an obvious need to fill at first base following a season-ending knee injury to Triston Casas, the Red Sox had been said to have had interest in Josh Naylor and Ryan O’Hearn. Naylor is now off the board following a deal that sent him to the Seattle Mariners earlier this week, and there’s been little traction to earlier reports regarding O’Hearn in recent weeks.

While Chief Baseball Officer for the Boston Red Sox, Craig Breslow could still engage the Baltimore Orioles in trade talks for O’Hearn, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic believes the Tampa Bay Rays may be willing to deal first baseman Yandy Díaz before the deadline next week after producing a dismal record of 6-15 since June 28.

“A rapid turnaround might force the Rays to shift course. But Rays officials began signaling to teams late Friday that they will be open to moving Díaz, second baseman Brandon Lowe and others if they do not reverse their tailspin. A final decision might not come before Wednesday, on the eve of the deadline,” wrote Rosenthal.

Even more interesting, Rosenthal cites the Red Sox as a team that could be interested in Díaz should the Rays decide to sell next week.

“The Rays have been reluctant to trade Díaz, who sacrificed perhaps greater money elsewhere by signing two club-friendly extensions,” said Rosenthal. “If they indeed become willing to move him, the Boston Red Sox will almost certainly be at the top of the list of teams interested.”

Díaz has been a force at the plate for Tampa this season. The 33-year-old has hit .287 with 17 home runs and 60 RBIs in 394 at-bats. The right-handed slugger would add middle-of-the-order power to the Red Sox batting order and allow manager Alex Cora to shift Romy González and Abraham Toro back to utility roles.