MLB Insider Believes Red Sox Could Become Buyers At Trade Deadline

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This season has not gone as the Boston Red Sox envisioned after spending the offseason bolstering their roster.

The Red Sox made splashes in free agency and the trade market this offseason to acquire players like Ranger Suárez, Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras, who are making big impacts for the team this season. Despite that, the team is still struggling at the bottom of the AL East with a 25-33 record.

Boston's pitching and defense have been great this season, with the Red Sox boasting one of the best bullpens in baseball. Though the Red Sox's offense strung together its two best offensive weeks of the season recently, the team still ranks near the bottom of the league in runs scored.

Despite Boston's offensive struggles, the team is trending in the right direction. The Red Sox's offense raised their batting average all the way to .247, ranking seventh-best in the league. It's no secret that the Red Sox need to improve down the stretch if they want to return to the playoffs this season, and MLB.com's Mark Feinsand believes that the team could end up being buyers as the trade deadline draws closer.

"Deciding whether to buy, sell or stand pat can often involve more than a team’s record, though the standings will surely play a significant role," Feinsand wrote on Tuesday. "Preseason expectations can influence that decision -- for instance, the Red Sox, Orioles, Tigers and Royals all had postseason aspirations entering the year -- making it more difficult for those clubs to wave the white flag and become sellers. If a playoff spot is within realistic reach, these teams could look to buy."

The Red Sox have already been making calls around the league to see who will be available at the trade deadline, with a preference to add a right-handed bat to bolster their offense, regardless of position.

Whether or not Boston ends up pulling off a trade for an impactful bat, perhaps for a player like Arizona Diamondbacks star infielder Ketel Marte, remains to be seen. However, it would be surprising to see the Red Sox become sellers at the trade deadline if they can maintain their recent higher level of play.

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