The Boston Red Sox are having a rough season. And when a team falls apart like this, the trade rumors start flying. The latest speculation from a Red Sox beat writer suggests the team might part with Sonny Gray before dealing Willson Contreras. That’s a twist, considering Contreras has been their best hitter.
Ian Browne of MLB.com laid it out pretty clearly. He thinks Gray is the more likely trade chip, even with his no-trade clause, because he can walk as a free agent after this season anyway. The Red Sox actually have starting pitching depth right now, both in the short term and down the road. What they don’t have? Right-handed pop in the lineup. That’s the thing they’re missing.
“I think Gray is more likely to go, despite the no-trade protection, because he will likely become a free agent at the end of the season,” Browne said. “The one thing the Red Sox have going for them is starting pitching depth, both in the short and long term. What they don’t have is an abundance of right-handed power.”
Let’s be real. The Red Sox rotation hasn’t been the problem this year. It’s been pretty solid for the most part. But the lineup feels like it’s missing a bat that can change a game from the right side. And Browne’s point about that imbalance makes sense if you’ve watched them lately.
Contreras is signed through next season at a reasonable $17.5 million. He’s hitting .299 with 13 homers, 38 RBIs and a .394 on-base percentage. His slugging is .540. He’s been one of the few bright spots in a season that’s gone sideways. Trading him would create another hole, not fix one.
Meanwhile, Sonny Gray has been excellent. He’s 8-1 with a 3.03 ERA in 12 starts. Since coming back from a hamstring injury in May, he’s 6-0 with a 2.40 ERA. That kind of performance makes him a very attractive piece for a contender looking to add an arm. The Red Sox have young arms coming up, so they can afford to move him.
What Craig Breslow Does Next
Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has some decisions to make. The Red Sox are sliding in the standings, and the trade deadline is creeping up. If they keep losing, expect them to be sellers. And if Gray is the one who goes, it won’t be a shock. He’s probably their most valuable trade asset who isn’t part of the long-term core.
Time will tell. But for now, the chatter around the Red Sox is that Gray is the more likely departure. Not Contreras. That’s the word from someone who covers the team every day.
Leave a Comment