Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Red Sox Legend Sends Strong Message to Team Before Trade Deadline

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Evan Massey | Last updated Jul 6, 2025 2:35 PM ET

The Boston Red Sox have not had the kind of 2025 MLB season that they were hoping to have. At this point, with the trade deadline right around the corner, the team is 45-45 and is struggling to keep pace in the American League playoff race.

Currently, the Red Sox are just 2.5 games out of the final wild card position in the AL. In order to make a push up in the standings, it's possible the front office could be active ahead of the deadline.

What does Boston need to prioritize acquiring at the trade deadline? There are a couple of main needs.

On the outside looking in, the Red Sox could use more power in their lineup. They could also use more bullpen help and another starting pitcher.

With that being said, one Boston legend has spoken out with a strong message to the team before the trade deadline. David Ortiz believes the Red Sox need to be aggressive.

During a recent interview with RG, Ortiz made his feelings clear about the trade deadline when it comes to Boston.

"The trade deadline is coming. You start focusing on what you need and what you can get out there," Ortiz said. "There is some money available now, and I guess all they need is to go and be aggressive during this trade deadline. In two months, you can change all that if you go and pick the pieces you need."

Ortiz believes that the Red Sox can still win the division if they make the right moves at the deadline.

"Let’s see what’s available, let’s see what people want, let’s see if they can get what they need," Ortiz said. "Because if you look at the division, everybody is three, four, five games apart and there's a lot of games left. The Yankees are struggling. The Blue Jays are struggling. I thought Baltimore was going to do something special, but it seems like they’re falling apart again. Tampa is the one team that is always stepping in and out. But they don’t want to be aggressive spending money to complete the mission. We are not too far away from where we need to be."

It will be interesting to see whether or not Boston heeds the advice of Ortiz. Making an aggressive move or two at the deadline could put the Red Sox right back in contention.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: