Three areas Red Sox need to improve at 2026 trade deadline

Yardbarker · Jul 23, 2026 00:07 · 3 min read

Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story (10, left) and second baseman Marcelo Mayer (11).

The Red Sox were in the AL East basement following a 10-2 loss to the Nationals on July 1. It was not a question of whether the Red Sox would be sellers at the deadline; instead, the question was which pieces would be moved.

So much for the Boston Red Sox's status as sellers ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline.

That narrative has completely changed in three weeks. The Red Sox are in the midst of a 15-game winning streak and are firmly in the playoff picture. Now, the question is whether or not the Red Sox can fill the various holes on their roster. Let's look at three areas the Red Sox could focus on at the trade deadline.

Three focal points for the Boston Red Sox ahead of the trade deadline

1. Find upgrades in the middle infield

The Red Sox likely thought that their middle infield would be a strength in 2026. Shortstop Trevor Story had been healthy in 2025 and showed he could still be a dynamic option in the lineup. Infielder Marcelo Mayer showed promise in a 44-game stint and was expected to take the next step in his development.

So much for best-laid plans. Story struggled before landing on the Injured List due to a sports hernia, although he hopes to begin a rehab assignment soon. Mayer is also on the IL and had taken a step back offensively. Options such as Gleyber Torres, Luis Arraez and Zach Neto would be a significant upgrade.

2. Address the catching situation

While the middle of the Red Sox infield may receive most of the attention, the Red Sox have another gaping hole in the lineup. Their catchers have combined for a .233/.318/.320 batting line over 359 plate appearances, hitting only three home runs. Their .639 OPS ranks 20th in the majors.

There is a potential answer. The Red Sox have been linked to Colorado Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman. He would also fill the Red Sox's need for another impact bat in the middle of the lineup, although it is fair to wonder why the Rockies would trade a potential building block. However, the Red Sox have a deep farm system and could put together an intriguing enough package to get a longer-term answer behind the plate.

3. Add another starting pitcher

If healthy, the Red Sox have a strong starting rotation. Sonny Gray leads the majors with 12 wins and deserved an All-Star spot. Connelly Early and Ranger Suarez have been what the Red Sox hoped for. Jake Bennett has been a revelation for the Red Sox, taking the place of an ineffective Brayan Bello.

The problem is that the Red Sox are not healthy. Early and Suarez are on the IL, although Suarez may return by the weekend. Likewise, the Red Sox's young pitchers have yet to be tested in the postseason. Another veteran starter would provide depth for the rotation while adding experience for a playoff push.

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