With the trade deadline coming up, who could potentially find themselves in the center of a trade that could bring them to Boston?
Two possible candidates to fill this role include right hander, Yu Darvish from the Rangers, and Zack Cozart of the Reds.
Although he is currently on the disabled list as of now with a quadriceps problem, Cozart could bring a much needed boost the shortstop position.
Prior to his injury, Cozart was batting an impressive .317 over 76 games this season. He’s not much a liability at the position as he has a career (2011-Present) fielding percentage of .980, not much to worry about there.
Bringing him in is not intended to replace Xander Bogaerts at shortstop, but maybe as a platoon type deal. Bogaerts hasn’t been providing much assistance to the offensive cause.
So far this season, Bogaerts has only recorded half a dozen home runs with a slugging percent of .412 and an OPS of .752.
Cozart, on the other hand, could bring some much needed pop into the shortstop position.
He has twice as many homers as the X-Man in 19 less games.
His numbers are light years above his previous season’s and above those of Bogaerts. He has slugging percent of .568, and an OPS .971.
Cozart could certainly bring a new dynamic in the middle infield with his hit bat once he is healthy again.
Photo Credit: ESPN.com
Now what about Darvish? What could he bring to the table?
Darvish could take over the role as a number four or five starter in the rotation and may even be able pitch out of the bullpen when they need a guy to eat frames in extra-inning marathons.
With an ERA of 4.01 this season, his trade stock could be getting lower as that is his highest ERA of his career.
The right-handed could be especially useful in times like this past week where a starter is out injured and a pitcher has to pitch a day early.
Why not have a back-up plan who can pitch in a starting role and a reliever role consistently, who has proven himself as a quality player?
Photo Credit: Los Angeles Times
Deadline is today at 4 p.m.
