Craig Breslow promises Red Sox will ‘pick a lane’ at trade deadline
Craig Breslow may not know for sure what the Boston Red Sox are going to do at the 2024 trade deadline, but we at least know that whatever they do, they won’t be half-assin’ it.
The Red Sox’ chief baseball officer recently joined Chris Cotillo and Sean McAdam of MassLive to talk baseball on their own “Fenway Rundown” podcast, and of course, the upcoming trade deadline was chief among the topics. The Sox have played themselves into playoff contention, holding a 1.5-game lead over the Kansas City Royals for the third American League Wild Card spot, which has sparked questions of whether they could be buying.
While Breslow won’t commit to the Red Sox as buyers – and, by extension, the organization and ownership probably feel that way, too – he’s not saying they’re going to sell, either. But most interestingly, Breslow did say that there won’t be a mix of buying and selling. He said the team will “pick a lane.”
![Craig Breslow](https://985thesportshub.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/88/2024/07/Craig-Breslow-medium-shot_1720446257_.jpg?resize=1024,774)
Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow (Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports)
“The lane that we pick is going to be dictated by a host of considerations and none more meaningful than what is happening on the field,” Breslow said as part of the podcast. “So I’m still adamant and committed to picking a lane. We’re going to get more and more information over the next couple of weeks.
“But the one thing that we can do that helps steer that direction is to win as many games as possible on the field.”
Well, what’s happening on the field is a lot of winning, lately. Since the last time they dipped below .500 on June 11, the Red Sox are 16-6 in their last 22 games, and they’re coming off another series win over the New York Yankees, this time in the Bronx and in thrilling fashion. So, if Breslow’s word rings true, perhaps the team is leaning toward buying at this point.
If they do buy, ESPN’s Buster Olney said during the most recent “Sunday Night Baseball” that the Red Sox would be in the market for a starting pitcher (ostensibly a lefty) and/or a right-handed power hitter, preferably in the outfield. If they sell, closer Kenley Jansen would be a prime candidate to be moved.
MORE: Red Sox reportedly ‘noncommittal’ on what to do at trade deadline
At least there’s a little more clarity on how the Red Sox plan to approach the trade deadline. They won’t trade Jansen AND acquire help. To be certain, fans are left hoping they choose the latter route. But for now, we wait.
Matt Dolloff is a writer and digital content producer for 98.5 The Sports Hub. Read all of his articles here.