The Boston Red Sox have significantly reduced their deficit in the American League. Currently, they are just six games behind the first-place team in the AL East and only one game behind the third Wild Card spot in the American League. To seriously contend for a World Series title, Boston needs to be aggressive buyers at the trade deadline. Fans would likely be furious if the front office does anything less.
Boston’s main needs are a starting pitcher and a strong hitter against left-handed pitching. The Detroit Tigers could be an ideal trade partner, offering Jack Flaherty and Mark Canha, both on expiring contracts. These players would fill critical gaps for Boston, making this potential trade highly beneficial for the Red Sox.
A Red Sox-Tigers trade for Jack Flaherty and Mark Canha
The 28-year-old Flaherty has dominated the competition this season. His current WHIP and ERA are both below 1.00 and under 3.00, respectively, which demonstrate how outstanding he has been this season. The Tigers are shopping him hard even though his contract is about to expire.
This year, Canha has been nearly useless against righties. He is hitting nearly.200 when faced with them. However, he is scorching an amazing.294/.410/.471 with an OPS close to.900 versus lefties. When the other club starts a southpaw, that’s the type of bat you need to be in the lineup.
This trade proposal involves sending two top-10 prospects from the Red Sox system, along with a backend top-30 talent, to the Tigers in exchange for two rental players.
Zanetello, 19, is a project player with a batting line of .190/.316/.331 and five home runs this season. While he has the potential to develop into a good shortstop, the Red Sox have better shortstop prospects, making Zanetello a better fit for another organization.
Perales, 21, has been outstanding in his nine starts this season, maintaining an ERA below 3.00 across High-A and Double-A. He has a dominant fastball and a solid slider, with improvements in his control this season, despite past issues with walks.
Guerrero, a reliever, has been solid over 38 innings at the Triple-A level, despite a high walk rate. If he can control the walks, a major league call-up could be imminent.
This trade addresses the Red Sox’s needs while allowing them to keep their top prospects and deal from their system’s depth. The Tigers would gain solid prospects for two expiring contracts, making this a potentially beneficial trade for both teams.