Why Red Sox May Pass On ‘Large-Scale’ Trade Deadline Moves

The Boston Red Sox are in the playoff mix — but that may not push them into action at the deadline.

Boston is not likely to pursue major trades ahead of July 31, according to a report Wednesday by ESPN’s Jeff Passan in which he writes that the Red Sox “are not inclined to engage in any large-scale deadline moves.”

That stance reflects both a steady belief in the current roster and a reluctance to engage in what Passan labels the “epitome of [an] inefficient” market.

Breslow has said repeatedly the team is interested in making additions, but the club is reportedly wary to sacrifice key pieces to do it.

According to Passan, the cost of high-end talent like Minnesota Twins right-hander Joe Ryan may be too steep. Boston would need to surrender premium prospect capital or dip into its pool of young major leaguers.

Ryan is not the only name tied to Boston. First baseman Josh Naylor of the Cleveland Guardians has reportedly drawn interest from multiple contenders, thanks to his consistent production and middle-of-the-order potential. But he will have no shortage of suitors.

On the pitching side, Mitch Keller (Pittsburgh Pirates) and Seth Lugo (Kansas City Royals) are also possible fits, though each comes with a unique cost-benefit wrinkle. Lugo is a rental. Keller is signed through 2028 and would likely command a haul of MLB caliber talent and prospects.

That is where Boston’s deadline posture sharpens.

They are playoff-caliber on their best days but thin enough on others to spark questions about whether this is the year to push chips in.

Breslow already swung blockbuster for team ace Garrett Crochet — a four-prospect bet that has paid off — but another blockbuster would require a similar commitment.

Unless the market shifts dramatically, Boston looks more likely to hold its position than make any blockbuster moves.