Why the Red Sox Shouldn't Sell at Trade Deadline

Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Why the Red Sox Shouldn't Sell at Trade Deadline

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Logan VanDine | Last updated Jul 9, 2026 6:27 PM ET

For much of this season, the Boston Red Sox looked dead in the water.

The Red Sox have spent most of the year in last place in the AL East after making the playoffs last year for the first time since 2021 and surely looked like sellers at the trade deadline.

But thanks in large part to a weak American League, Boston all of a sudden finds themselves back in the playoff race and may have to change their plans at the deadline, which is less than a month away.

The Red Sox should reconsider their approach at the deadline

Jul 9, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Caleb Durbin (5) is greeted by shortstop Tsung-Che Cheng (39) after hitting a two-run home run against the Chicago White Sox during the fourth inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn ImagesDavid Banks-Imagn Images

After sweeping away the Chicago White Sox on Thursday, the Red Sox have now won a season-high six straight games, eight out of their last 10, and are in fourth place in the AL East at 43-48. More importantly, the Red Sox are just 2.5 games out of the third and final Wild Card in the American League.

Boston's recent hot streak should have them reconsider their plans at the deadline, if they haven't already decided whether to buy or sell.

Durbin just keeps on swinging it! pic.twitter.com/NCfq8rjlsP
— Red Sox (@RedSox) July 9, 2026

The Red Sox have a slew of players they could potentially deal. Notable players include outfielder Jarren Duran, first baseman Willson Contreras, closer Aroldis Chapman, and starting pitcher Sonny Gray, whom Boston acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals in the offseason.

Those surely looked like trade chips for a Red Sox team that was at one point a season-worst 15 games under .500 less than a month ago. The Red Sox may now have to consider holding onto some pending free agents.

While the Red Sox lost lefty starter Ranger Suárez to the injured list on Thursday and have been without both All-Star hurler Garrett Crochet and rookie phenom Roman Anthony for most of this season, they have still played inspired baseball without some of their key stars.

With a Wild Card spot in the American League seemingly up for grabs and the Red Sox continuing to trend towards the .500 mark, the 2026 season may not be over just yet in Boston.

The MLB trade deadline is set for Monday, August 3 at 6 p.m EST.

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

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