Brewers: 2 Trade Targets From The Boston Red Sox

The MLB trade deadline is rapidly approaching. Here at Reviewing the Brew we have previewed potential Brewers trade targets from two teams who are clear sellers in the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies. Today, we will look at one team who is currently on the bubble in the Boston Red Sox.

The Red Sox got off to a terrible start to the season and have dealt with numerous injuries all year long. As a team they have been very streaky and currently find themselves hovering around a .500 record. Thanks to the newly expanded playoff format, a wild carp spot is within grasps but the team has been struggling as of late.

Leading up to the All-Star break, the Red Sox lost 12 of 17 games. In their first series post All-Star break they were swept by the Toronto Blue Jays that included a game where they gave up 28 runs. Given their recent play, they may be leaning more toward being sellers at this years August 2 trade deadline.

If they do decide to sell, which players could be on the market that would be of interest to the Brewers?

Boston Red Sox trade target for the Milwaukee Brewers: DH J.D. Martinez 

In the final year of his five year, $110MM contract, 34 year old J.D. Martinez would be a huge offensive boost for any team. His home run numbers are a bit lower this year (9), but he is still slugging .481 in large part due to having 30 doubles on the year.

At this point in his career, Martinez is strictly a DH. This year, all 81 of his games have come as the designated hitter. If the Brewers were to acquire J.D. Martinez this would certainly mean that Andrew McCutchen would see increased time in the outfield. It may also mean a demotion for Jonathan Davis.

Boston Red Sox trade target for the Milwaukee Brewers: Xander Bogaerts

Bogaerts, one of the premiere shortstops in the game, isn’t a true free agent until 2026. In 2019 he signed a six year extension, but he does have the ability to opt out after this season. Given how well he has performed, it is expected that he will opt out and become a free agent at the end of this season.

This year, Bogaerts is a hitting machine. He has a .313 batting average, 24 doubles, and a 130 OPS+. Defensively he plays shortstop but has played third base in the past. Given that the Brewers have Willy Adames as their shortstop, it would be interesting to see who got at shortstop if these two were on the same team. Regardless, both players would likely man the left side of the infield.

The Brewers and Red Sox do have an upcoming three game series from July 29-July 31. Trades will most certainly be going down over the course of that weekend. Perhaps at this year’s trade deadline they can become partners once again.