Should Red Sox be buyers or sellers?

The Red Sox are in the midst of a six-game winning streak that sees them improve their record to 49-43. Despite being six games over .500, the Red Sox are still tied for last in the American League East, 8.5 games back of the division leading Tampa Bay Rays. They are only two games out of the wildcard, though. So why do I think the Red Sox should be sellers at the trade deadline?

There has been a lot of speculation on sports radio about the Red Sox being “in” on trading for Shohei Ohtani. The Angels’ superstar is a free agent after this season and many believe the Angels will deal him. The problem is, if you trade a ton of prospects for him now, there is no guarantee he will sign with you this winter.

The Red Sox should say no now and take their shot at him in the offseason when it won’t cost the Red Sox anything but money, and a lot of it.

But Ohtani won’t be the only move the Red Sox could possibly be looking at in the coming weeks. The decision to be “buyers’ or “sellers” also could depend heavily on Chaim Bloom’s job security. If Bloom feels his job is in jeopardy, as many in the media believe it is, he will feel compelled to win now and, thus, be a buyer at the deadline.

If, however, Bloom and ownership are on the same page, and Bloom is meeting ownership’s expectations, look for the Red Sox to be sellers and to continue to look at the future. I think Bloom is safe. The Red Sox solid first half has solidified his position. The Sox are getting significant contributions from youngsters like Brayan Bello, Jarren Duran, and Triston Casas. Rafael Devers (22 HR, 72 RBI, .259 batting average, .841 OPS) is putting up solid numbers in the first year of his mega deal, while Xander Bogaerts (10 HR, 35 RBI, .255 batting average, .732 OPS) is struggling in San Diego. Newcomers Masataka Yoshida, Kenley Jansen, Justin Turner, and Adam Duvall are all making solid contributions.

It may be an unpopular opinion, but the Red Sox are moving in the right direction under Bloom. The problem is that this won’t be the year for them to make a run at a championship. Just making the playoffs should never be a goal for the Red Sox.

The Red Sox are one solid trade deadline away from making a run at a championship in 2024 and for years to come. As difficult as it may be for fans, they just need to look the other way when it comes to 2023.

The Red Sox are old at certain spots - DH, starting pitching, and closer. They could use upgrades at other spots like shortstop, second base, and a hitting catcher. The good news is that Marcelo Mayer and Nick Yorke are on the horizon to help at short and second base. Duran could be shifted to RF when Ceddanne Rafaela is ready to take over CF next year. Or trade Duran now while his trade value may be at its highest. The Red Sox have some solid young pieces for the rotation now at the big club, but there is little more stashed away in the minors.

The Red Sox should be looking to deal Adam Duvall, Alex Verdugo, James Paxton, and Justin Turner at the deadline. All have over-produced and should have decent trade value for a contender. If the Red Sox could get some good young arms in return, they should pull the trigger without hesitation. Again, they should be building for 2024 and beyond. They have some of the young pieces in place and things could not have worked out better for their veteran players to have had over-achieved this year, and thus giving them surprisingly good trade value. Sell, sell, sell.