The Boston Red Sox are navigating a challenging stretch, which has naturally sparked discussions about potential trades. With the team languishing near the bottom of the AL East and the offense struggling to find consistency, some fans have already begun speculating whether Boston could become sellers before the MLB trade deadline. However, according to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, the Red Sox are far from conceding the season.
Ken Rosenthal Advises Patience for Red Sox
Speaking on Foul Territory on Monday, Rosenthal made it clear that Boston still believes it can reverse its fortunes. Even though the Red Sox entered the week with a 19-27 record, they were only a few games behind in the American League wild card race. Rosenthal explained that the current state of the AL is a major reason the team is not rushing into major trade discussions. He believes Boston still has ample time to recover if the offense finally starts clicking.
Rosenthal did not sound convinced that Boston is ready to dismantle its roster this early in the season. During his appearance on Foul Territory, he elaborated on why the Red Sox are staying patient despite poor results.
“They’re not going to give up yet for the reason I just stated, the American League is weak,” Rosenthal said. “So, I believe the Red Sox this morning are only three, three and a half games out of the wild card race. So, at that point, you’re thinking, ‘All right, we get hot, we get our offense going,’ maybe they will, maybe they won’t. Certainly isn’t going right now, ‘then we have a chance.’ They certainly pitch well enough now.”
Trade Rumors Intensify After Chapman Incident
Trade rumors escalated further after veteran closer Aroldis Chapman was seen hugging bullpen teammates following Boston’s 3-2 win over the Atlanta Braves on Saturday. Since Chapman had just recorded his ninth save of the season, some fans online quickly wondered if he had been traded behind the scenes. That turned out not to be true, but the moment still drew more attention to Boston’s uncertain season. Rosenthal acknowledged that circumstances could change later in the summer if the Red Sox continue to slide in the standings.
“Come July, if it’s not looking great, then you do sell pieces off, but you don’t give up yet…so the Red Sox will remain intact, at least for the foreseeable future,” Rosenthal added.
For now, Boston appears focused on fixing the offense rather than planning a roster breakup. The Red Sox opened a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals on Monday while still searching for momentum in a season that has not gone as expected.
