MLB Trade Rumors: NL West Team Acquires Speculated Red Sox Target

The Boston Red Sox have been relatively quiet in the hours leading up to Major League Baseball’s trade deadline. Following the acquisition of left-handed reliever Steven Matz on Wednesday, the Red Sox have yet to make a deal for a first baseman or a starting pitcher.

Despite several trade rumors connecting the Red Sox to Baltimore Orioles first baseman/designated hitter Ryan O’Hearn, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the San Diego Padres swooped in and completed a deal to acquire O’Hearn and outfielder Ramon Laureano. Details of who the Padres will be sending to Baltimore have yet to be confirmed.

With O’Hearn no longer available, Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow may have to get creative if the team remains interested in adding a first baseman before the trade deadline closes.

News of the deal follows an earlier report from MLB Network‘s Jon Morosi that rumored Red Sox trade target Yandy Díaz underwent X-rays on his right forearm after being hit by a pitch by New York Yankees right-hander Marcus Stroman earlier in the day. With Díaz’s health status still unknown, it remains unclear if the Red Sox will look elsewhere to make an upgrade at first base.

Since losing Triston Casas to a season-ending knee injury in May, Abraham Toro and Romy González have handled the majority of games at first base. With available options now appearing limited, the Red Sox could pivot to adding another starting pitcher and continue to stick with Toro and González in a platoon at first base for the remainder of the season.