By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
It sounds like Andrew Cashner won’t be the only trade acquisition for Dave Dombrowski and the Red Sox ahead of the trade deadline.
According to ESPN baseball insider Buster Olney, the Red Sox are considered the team “most invested in the chase” to acquire Mets reliever Edwin Diaz. Olney reports that “rival evaluators” believe the Mets are going to complete a Diaz trade before the July 31 deadline, whether it’s to Boston or otherwise.
Insider Jim Bowden reported on Saturday that the Red Sox were among the teams interested in Diaz’s services. The Red Sox would be buying low on Diaz, who has a 4.95 ERA in 44 appearances for the Mets this season.
Jul 16, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) delivers a pitch in the ninth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Even so, Olney speculated earlier on Monday that any Red Sox deal for Diaz would include third baseman Bobby Dalbec, currently considered one of the top prospects in the organization.
Diaz, 25, is walking more and striking out less in a disappointing first season with the Mets. But he still throws a fastball that averages 97 mph and has arguably more talent than any existing reliever in the Red Sox bullpen. Nathan Eovaldi is the closer for now, but Diaz would be a strong candidate to take over if he came in a trade.
He has just 23 saves so far for the 50-55 Mets, but Diaz is just a year removed from leading the major leagues with 57 saves for the Mariners. So if the Red Sox do indeed trade a good prospect to get him, the expectation should be that he supplants Eovaldi for the ninth inning. Either way, he’d give the Red Sox more pitching depth in an area of great need.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.