The Boston Red Sox currently stand just four games back of a Wild Card spot with two key sluggers set to return from injury in the near future: Adam Duvall and Trevor Story.
The team has played well enough to be in the "buyers" category at the trade deadline and will likely do so barring a total collapse. Assuming the Red Sox are in the market to improve the big league roster, they'll need some trade chips.
Fortunately, one player who's among the most likely to be traded at the deadline happens to be on an absolute tear for the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox -- corner infielder Bobby Dalbec.
The 27-year-old former top prospect has six home runs in his last 10 games played with three multi-hit games in that span.
After a strong run, Dalbec is hitting .300 with 19 extra-base hits including 11 home runs, 31 RBIs and a 1.037 OPS in 36 games. He has a 33% strikeout rate so he's not worth calling up to help the Red Sox but his hot stretch certainly will improve his trade value.
Dalbec also is learning how to play the corner outfield spots to add to his current arsenal of third base, first base and even middle infield if absolutely necessary. A utility player with his power will be enticing for at least one of the 30 Major League Baseball clubs.
Boston will not be able to package Dalbec to acquire a star player of any kind but he could be used to acquire a solid reliever or slugger in the final year of his contract.
Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom traded second baseman Michael Chavis -- who has had a similar up-and-down career -- to the Pittsburgh Pirates for left-handed reliever Austin Davis at the 2021 trade deadline.
Bloom could make a similar move, gambling on a reliever with enticing advanced analytics. Both players ended up being designated for assignment the following season but the change-of-scenery moves are worth pursuing alongside other notable moves this deadline.
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