MLB Trade Deadline: 3 Red Sox players likely to be traded by July 30

On account of their strong 18-10 record since June 1, the Boston Red Sox now occupy the third and final Wild Card spot in the American League. As such, fans and management both know that some important decisions lie ahead if the team wants to make the postseason for the first time since 2021.

Regardless of whether or not the Boston Red Sox will be sellers or buyers at the deadline, a variety of players who have not been pulling their weight need to be dealt with. By potentially offloading these names, CBO Craig Breslow might be able to pick up some players whose capabilities more closely align with the team's needs.

3 potential Boston Red Sox trade pieces

#1. Wilyer Abreu

Sophomore Venezuelan Wilyer Abreu is hitting .266/.332/.462 in 62 games for Boston. The problem that Alex Cora faces is that the opportunity cost of slotting out Rob Refsnyder, Tyler O'Neill or Masataka Yoshida for Abreu is not a winning one.

Abreu has a lot of baseball left in his career, and could certainly hold attractiveness to an up-and-coming club like the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, if the Red Sox want to remain competitive into September, exploring options to exchange Abreu for a pitcher might not be a bad notion at all.

#2. Dominic Smith

The Red Sox exhibited modest expectations for Dominic Smith when they inked the first baseman to a one-year deal worth $1.43 million this offseason. However, it looks as though he has failed to reach even what was expected of him.

"Dominic Smith tries to throw home to cut down Giancarlo Stanton at home who...is standing right on third." - Fireside Yankees

Despite hitting a career-high 12 home runs as a member of the Washington Nationals last season, Smith has showed a considerable lack of power in 2024. Now hitting just .210 with three home runs and 22 RBIs, it is unlikely that Breslow will want to keep Smith at first base for much longer.

Despite his rocky season, Bobby Dalbec is a better long-term fit, and Dominic Smith's past success – albeit modest – increases his value on the trade market.

#3. Nick Pivetta

Now in his fourth season as a member of the Red Sox, pitcher Nick Pivetta's glimpses of brilliance have been overshadowed by too much mediocrity. Since his Aug. 2020 trade to Boston, the Canadian has a 34-34 with a 4.30 ERA. This season, Pivetta's 4.06 ERA serves as proof that he has struggled to keep the ball out of play.

"Wake up babe. New Nick Pivetta scream just dropped." - Tyler Miliken

From WHIP to strikeouts to home runs allowed, Pivetta is looking at a career-worst season. Although Tanner Houck and Kutter Crawford have been dependable arms for Boston this year, it is likely that they will need another game-changing starter if they want any success. Perhaps the time has come to offload the struggling Pivetta for someone who can take his place.