Bold AL East predictions: Red Sox will likely finish last, should be sellers
The American League East has been a very close division all season. Now with the Tampa Bay Rays having a huge comeback it looks like the World Series Champion Boston Red Sox will likely finish last in the division. The Rays are getting healthy at the right time and have the pitching to make up ground. It is still the Baltimore Orioles division to lose but the Red Sox should be sellers close to the trade deadline and they do have some players that could make a difference for some teams.
Here are some players that the Red Sox could be selling.
1. David Ortiz: Ortiz is a free agent in 2016 and a long-time Red Sox. Ortiz is up their in age at 38 years in age and his average is only .251 but he leads the Red Sox in home runs with 25 and in rbi’s at 76. The Red Sox could get value out of their DH and dump some salary. The downside to Ortiz is that he can not play the field. I see teams like the Oakland Athletics or Kansas City Royals being interested.
2. Koji Uehara: The former Oriole has been nearly unhittable with a 1.51 era this season. Uehara is 39 years old and has 21 saves, endurance was Uehara’s biggest problem as a starter but he has been rock steady as a closer. Uehara is a free agent in 2015 so the Red Sox will likely trade him and get some return. Uehara made his first All-Star game this season. A return to the Orioles would not be a bad fit.
3. Jon Lester: The Red Sox want to sign Lester to a long-term deal but have not yet. Lester will be a free agent in 2015 and is set to make big money. If the Red Sox are willing to trade Lester and hope that they can sign him when he becomes a free agent it could be a good move. A lot of teams would love to have Lester and his 2.52 era. Lester goes deep into games and rarely has a bad game. Lester would go good in any teams rotation.
4. John Lackey: Lackey will not get the return that Lester will but would help a team desperate for starting pitching. Lackey has a 3.60 era and is a free agent in 2015.
