RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 3 sourcesThe MLB trade deadline is where contenders reveal how seriously they take themselves. The Red Sox made one move. Now they need to make a few more. Or several. Boston sent pitching prospect Connelly Early to Washington for Curtis Mead, only to watch him fracture his wrist after being hit by a pitch in his first game. Brutal, just brutal.
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Mead Injury Changes Things
Feb 15, 2024; Tampa, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow talks with media at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports The unfortunate injury has removed any illusion that Craig Breslow’s work was finished. Mead was supposed to be the beginning of Boston’s deadline – he cannot become the entire story.
The Red Sox entered Thursday sitting third in the AL East but very much alive. They already dragged themselves back from a 10-17 start and an early managerial change. Stopping now would waste the hardest part of the glow-up.
Shortstop remains the obvious need
May 23, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto (9) hits a double during the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images Boston has been linked to Zach Neto, CJ Abrams, Jeremy Peña and Otto Lopez. None will come cheaply, but this is why a front office builds pitching depth. Every prospect is available while the major-league club is playing meaningful August baseball.
Boston also needs another catcher or middle-of-the-order right-handed bat. Hunter Goodman is the dream, but Colorado’s price may be enormous because the Yankees and Rays are also tied to him. Even a less glamorous addition would deepen the lineup.
Crochet Injury – Bullpen Gassed
Then there is the rotation. Garrett Crochet has not pitched since April, and might not be a viable postseason plan. Boston does not necessarily need another ace. It needs someone capable of taking the ball every fifth day without taxing the bullpen.
Are the tradeoffs worth it, though?. Neto or Goodman could cost a painful prospect package. A rental starter might leave in three months. Boston could spend aggressively and still miss October.
But doing nothing also carries a cost. The Red Sox fought their way back into relevance. Mead was a start, not a solution – and his injury removed even that comfort.
Breslow does not need to win the deadline. He does need to finish it.
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