Kyle Schwarber, Washington Nationals, Boston Red Sox. (Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports)
The Boston Red Sox need to make a few trades to position themselves for a division crown.
Even though the Boston Red Sox have the best record in the American League in late July, there are no guarantees they will even win the division this season.
Boston holds a 2.5-game lead over the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East standings. While the Red Sox are in good position to make the postseason anyway, they would rather get in as the AL East champs than having to host someone in the win-or-go-home AL Wild Card game. Therefore, they need to add a piece or two to ensure themselves that Tampa Bay is not repeating in the division.
Here are three players the Red Sox need to target as the 2021 MLB trade deadline approaches.
Boston Red Sox: 3 players they need to acquire as the trade deadline approaches
3
Kyle Schwarber
LF Washington Nationals
Kyle Schwarber would provide some pop at the plate for Boston down the line
Kyle Schwarber was drafted No. 4 overall by the Chicago Cubs in 2014 out of Indiana on the fact that the guy could rake. While being able to put him in the field had been an issue, Schwarber has carved out a nice career in left field in the National League. With the Washington Nationals selling off pieces at the deadline, it is time for Schwarber to get well-acquainted with Fenway Park.
Despite Washington’s struggles, Schwarber is having a nice year for the Nationals. He is slashing .253/.340/.570, all of which are better marks than he displayed during his initial run with the Cubs. In 72 games, Schwarber has 25 home runs and 53 runs batted in. The only problem in dealing for Schwarber is he is dealing with a hamstring injury, but one that will not require surgery.
Given that the arch rival New York Yankees are in dire need of an outfielder with power who can slug from the left side of the plate, they might double-down and trade for Schwarber after acquiring Joey Gallo from the Texas Rangers. It would only be fitting if the Red Sox play the ultimate spoiler to prevent Schwarber from being traded to the hated Yankees at the deadline.
Though there are other big names on the trading block, Schwarber has the feel of a Red Sock.