Rumored Red Sox Target Reportedly Traded To Playoff Hopeful

The Athletic’s Jim Bowden on Sunday reported the Red Sox trading for Josh Bell was “possible.” The former MLB general manager also previously identified the veteran first baseman as a potential good fit in Boston.

The Marlins ended up trading Bell less than two hours before Tuesday’s trade deadline, but not to the Red Sox.

Bell was shipped by Miami to Arizona, as first reported by the Miami Herald’s Craig Mish. The Diamondbacks, who entered Tuesday a 1/2 game back of the final National League wild card spot, developed a need for first base help Monday night when Christian Walker exited his team’s matchup with the Washington Nationals due to oblique tightness.

The 2019 All-Star was viewed as a potential target for the Red Sox due to his switch-hitting ability and experience at first base, where Triston Casas might not return for a while. But Boston might not believe it needs a ton of help at the position, as nearly all of the trade rumors involving the club on the day of the deadline focused on pitchers. Craig Breslow and company also made another move Tuesday, acquiring reliever Lucas Sims from the Cincinnati Reds.

The Bell trade admittedly wasn’t too consequential, at least on paper. But the same wouldn’t be able to be said if the Marlins flip one of their best players who reportedly is drawing interest from the Red Sox, among other clubs.