Red Sox Named Fit For Two-Time MVP In Blockbuster Trade

The Boston Red Sox made the postseason this past year, but could be interested in adding another star player to their team. Philadelphia Phillies slugger Bryce Harper was tabbed as a fit for the Red Sox by Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer on Wednesday.

Harper is a two-time MVP Award winner, an eight-time All-Star and a four-time Silver Slugger. He is one of the best players of this generation, but he is aging and has just had one of his worst seasons. However, even a down year for Harper is a solid season.

Harper posted a .261/.357/.487 slash line with 27 home runs and a 129 OPS+. After the season, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski questioned whether Harper could ever become elite again or if he would stay “good” like he was last season. Harper noted he was “hurt” by trade speculation and questions about his contributions last season, according to The Athletic’s Matt Gelb.

Dombrowski has since then clarified that the team has no intention of trading Harper. However, trading him would not be an absurd idea. According to Rymer, it is the right time to move the superstar given his age, contract and down season.

Harper has six years left on his 13-year, $330 million deal. The former outfielder now mans first base, so he could theoretically fill multiple needs. That’s especially important at first, where Triston Casas has shown flashes but had his season cut short due to injury.

He would bring production to the first base spot, which would allow Casas to rehab and perhaps take on more designated hitter duties moving forward. Harper is just one season removed from an All-Star campaign and would not be a cheap acquisition. However, he could be a key piece for the Red Sox in making a World Series run.

Among all of his accolades, Harper is still missing a championship. The Red Sox have talented players on their roster, and adding Harper could be the move that turns the team into a legitimate contender.