Red Sox urged to swing blockbuster trade for $100 million All-Star

Red Sox Craig Breslow - Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

The Boston Red Sox season has not gone to plan, but they can still make a push for the postseason. They are just three games out of an American League Wild Card berth.

The Red Sox may not have a realistic chance to win the AL East, but with Alex Bregman returning soon, they can make a realistic push to play in October. They have needs in the rotation, but they also need a reliable first baseman. The position has lacked stability since Triston Casas got hurt, but even he was not playing his best when he was in the lineup.

The trade deadline could be relatively scarce of sellers with so many teams within striking distance of a postseason berth. However, the Arizona Diamondbacks could be a team to watch. They have plenty of injuries and could fall out of contention by the July 31 trade deadline. The Boston Herald’s Mac Cerullo suggested the Red Sox try to trade for Josh Naylor.

“How about if the Red Sox buy? If the club wants to have any chance of reaching the playoffs, they’ll need to add a big bat to help fill the void left by Rafael Devers, ideally a first baseman,” wrote Cerullo. “Arizona’s Josh Naylor would fit that bill perfectly. Naylor is on pace to top 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases on the season, he’s batting over .300 with an OPS approaching .850, and he’s been a fixture in the heart of Arizona’s lineup ever since his arrival in a trade with Cleveland this past offseason.”

Naylor was an All-Star last year, and he could be a hot player when free agency rolls around. He is projected to earn a five-year, $100 million deal on the open market.

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Naylor could slot in as the everyday first baseman. His status as a rental would also allow the Red Sox to go back to Casas at first base next year, if that’s what they choose to do.

More MLB: Phillies-Red Sox trade pitch brings Alex Bregman to Philadelphia

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