Craig Breslow Breaks Down Red Sox's Active Trade Deadline

Adley's Addition

Giving up the level of prospects that they did for Rutschman certainly presents some risk, especially considering his recent injury history. The 28-year-old has hit the injured list five times since June of 2025 and is currently working his way back from wrist inflammation that sent him to the 10-day IL retroactive to July 19.

Before the trade, Rutschman was set to begin a rehab assignment within the next week. Breslow was hesitant to put a timetable on his return explaining that they won't speculate until club training staff gets a look at his wrist.

Aside from the injury, a concern raised about adding a catcher at the deadline was how they would mess with the pitching staff, which has been the clear strength of the team not just during their run but all season long. Breslow admitted that this was a "non-zero consideration," but expressed his belief in the veteran catcher for his elite defensive tools and ability to quickly build relationships with his pitchers.

"It's a non-zero consideration, but when you have a chance to get Adley Rutschman, you do it and then you figure out the rest."

As for what he and the rest of the staff saw in Rutschman in particular, Breslow pointed out his "impact on both sides of the ball" as a premium defender and switch-hitter.

"He's a great fit for our park. He doesn't strikeout, he walks, he gets on base, he can hit for damage. There's a ton to like about him."

Breslow admitted that it was uncomfortable trading the young pitchers in particular, echoing the commonly used phrase that you can "never have too much starting pitching." But given his high praise for Rutschman and the impact he can end up having on this season, the price felt reasonable enough to swing the deal.

Pursuit of Starting Pitchers, Shortstops

Breslow was asked about the team's rumored interest in both starting pitchers and shortstops, to which he did not divulge much by way of specific negotiations. He did, however, point to the strong play of Andruw Monasterio as of late, the upcoming returns of Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Trevor Story, along with Franklin Arias's emergence in Triple-A as to why they feel "comfortable with the options" that they have, both now and in the future.

As for not adding to the rotation, Breslow explained that they are "mindful" of the workload the starting pitchers have taken on, but are happy with the depth both in the big-leagues and in Triple-A. He added that their decision to build bullpen depth is another way to lighten this load on the starting rotation.

Could Franklin Arias play a factor this year?

One of the main questions for this year's deadline was whether the Red Sox would use one of their biggest chips in 20-year-old Arias to land an impact major leaguer. It was rumored that most teams were asking for him, but his emergence as one of the top five best prospects in all of baseball seemingly made him untouchable.

When asked if Arias could make his debut this year, Breslow did not shut down the idea.

"I hate to put those type of expectations on a 20-year old," he said. "Every challenge that he has faced he has met, which is pretty incredible for someone his age."

"We'll continue to take note of what he's doing... and if he is the person who can help us, then we'll have that conversation when it comes time."

While it is likely still a long shot that Arias gets called up before the end of the season, it is noteworthy that Breslow left the option open. If Story struggles upon his return and the young shortstop continues to rake in Triple-A, there may be more of a discussion come September.

Pulling the Plug on Mayer

Another important part of the decision to hold onto Arias was the club's willingness to part with Mayer. The 23-year-old infielder struggled with both injuries and acclimating to the big-leagues, but the trade still came as a shock considering the contributions expected from him even as recently as this year.

But the Red Sox decided it was time to move on, parting with the former fourth overall pick to land an intriguing left-handed late-inning relief option in Miller. Breslow called the decision "tough," explaining what Mayer had meant to the organization but highlighting the great "opportunity to get a back-end reliever with control."

"As you think about a bullpen down the stretch and potentially into the postseason, the ability to bring guys in who can get swings and misses and shorten the game... it becomes really valuable."

Miller, 28, is a big 6'5, 269-pound lefty who comes with elite stuff and a fastball that runs up to 96-97 mph. His main concern has been command, with a walk rate in the bottom one percentile (15.5 percent). This has plagued him in higher leverage spots but has not affected his overall performance this year with an excellent 2.76 ERA in 38 appearances (32.2 IP).

Where does Eli White fit?

The Red Sox mixed in a strange move by bringing in 30-year-old outfielder White. His season with the Atlanta Braves has been lackluster, and the original fit seemed to hinge on an additional move to get rid of Jarren Duran.

But that move never came, and now the club is looking at six outfielders on the big-league roster. White, who ranks in the 99th percentile in sprint speed, is an intriguing bench piece but comes with no minor league options, limiting the flexibility with fellow veteran outfielder Jahmai Jones, who has done well in his role against left-handed pitching.

Breslow said that White can factor in to get any of the current starting outfielders a day off when needed, praising his defensive abilities, speed, and athleticism as a good fit for the new "identity of this team."

Why Buy?

Breslow was clear about his decision to swing big at the deadline, crediting the team for turning things around and giving him no choice but to reward them with some high-end reinforcements.

"This team has demonstrated an incredible resilience and relentlessness, and put itself firmly in the playoff picture," he said. "They deserved and our fans deserve our efforts to try and find ways to make it better."

It's still far too early to give Breslow a grade for his third trade deadline with the Red Sox until we see the results on the field, but he deserves credit for responding to the momentum of the group, adding in areas where they need help, and acting decisively to get a big name that was eyed by rival clubs.