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Left for dead a month ago, streaking Red Sox suddenly look like contenders again

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Left for dead a month ago, streaking Red Sox suddenly look like contenders again

The MLB trade deadline is two weeks away, meaning it’s nearly time for teams on the playoff bubble to make a move or two to push them into contention.

The list of buyers at this year’s deadline is certainly interesting. You have the usual suspects such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves. You have some surprise contenders such as the Chicago White Sox, St. Louis Cardinals and Miami Marlins.

The Boston Red Sox find themselves in a different camp, though. Entering the season with high expectations, the Red Sox failed to live up to them during the first half, owning a 37-47 record heading into July. Such a lowly winning percentage had fans believing the team would be sellers at the deadline.

However, with their 6-1 victory over the first-place Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday, July 19, the Red Sox not only swept one of their biggest competitors in a four-game series, but they extended their winning streak to 13 straight, bumping them up to 50-48.

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If the playoffs were to start today, the Red Sox would be in. This massive win streak has elevated them from sellers to buyers at this year’s deadline. Players such as Aroldis Chapman, Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras, who many fans and experts believed would be shopped, are suddenly looking like solid pieces to build around for a playoff push.

It’s been a remarkable turnaround for the team, and here’s what they could do to perhaps even contend for an American League East title before the trade deadline.

Red Sox trade deadline targets

The Red Sox need help in three key areas: left-handed relief options, middle infield and power.

Left-handed relief options

If the Red Sox want to compete for the AL East title, they could target someone like A.J. Minter. Minter is a stellar left-handed reliever on the lowly New York Mets. Minter is 32 years old and on an expiring contract, making him the perfect rental candidate that would fit the Red Sox. Brooks Raley, 38, could be another good option from the Mets.

The Red Sox have a few options for lefty relievers. The San Francisco Giants could offer players such as Sam Hentges and Erik Miller. Though both players are still in their primes and would likely cost more than the aforementioned Mets players, they both boast solid ERA’s and are each striking out more than 10 batters per nine innings pitched.

Middle infield

The Red Sox will obviously be linked to the Angels’ Zach Neto, considering he is one of the best shortstops available. However, given Angels’ owner Arte Moreno’s inconsistency when it comes to negotiating trades, the Red Sox might be better served going after someone else. While the Giants’ Willy Adames would provide good power at the shortstop position and likely wouldn’t cost much, he’s under an enormous contract through 2031. He’s experiencing one of the worst seasons of his career and is showing signs of decline.

A better option might be someone like Luis Arraez or CJ Abrams, if the Washington Nationals make him available. Each player offers wildly different skill sets at different price ranges. Arraez would obviously not help in the power department, but he would provide a great contact bat and solid defense at second base (thanks to Ron Washington). He’s on a one-year contract and likely wouldn’t cost too much in terms of prospects.

Abrams, meanwhile, would cost a pretty penny. The 25-year-old is enjoying his best season offensively, and while Washington is certainly not at the top of the National League playoff race, it is still somewhat in contention and might not be willing to part with Abrams unless a king’s ransom comes through.

Power bats

The obvious first name to come to mind is Ryan Jeffers of the Minnesota Twins. An impending free agent, Jeffers is a great power option at catcher. Furthermore, he’s been linked to the Yankees, and any chance the Red Sox can get to stop the Yankees from improving is a massive win.

Other options include the Colorado Rockies’ Mickey Moniak, Twins’ Trevor Larnach and Cincinnati Reds’ Nathaniel Lowe.

Who would the Red Sox have sold if not for their win streak?

Heading into July, many believed the Red Sox elder players on expiring contracts could be shipped off. Players such as closer Aroldis Chapman and first baseman Willson Contreras were involved in numerous rumors. Starting pitcher Sonny Gray and outfielder Jarren Duran were named in some rumors as well.

When is the MLB trade deadline?

The MLB trade deadline is set for Monday, Aug. 3 at 6 p.m. ET.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Left for dead a month ago, streaking Red Sox suddenly look like contenders again

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