Marcelo Mayer was the most-hyped prospect in Red Sox history. He was not the highest-ranked prospect the Sox have ever had, and other players like Roman Anthony, Mookie Betts, and, now, Franklin Arias, have all had their moments as the fanbase’s primo prospect darling. But Mayer represents the only time in Red Sox history when the organization landed a player who was viewed as potentially the single-best talent in the entire MLB Draft. Thus, what sets Mayer apart in terms of hype is the fact that, unlike pretty much any other Sox minor leaguer in history, he was widely known throughout the fanbase from the very moment he entered the org. So as prospects fly around the league today on deadline day, it’s worth keeping him in mind, because at this point, if the most-hyped prospect in Red Sox history “has any trade value at this stage, it would be as a throw-in.” (Peter Abraham, Boston Globe)
And that’s why Criag Breslow is reportedly going into overdrive on the hunt for a new shortstop. “One exec, who spoke on the condition of anonymity so they could speak candidly about the Red Sox, said in a text, “That’s all I hear — Boston/SS.” (Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic)
Though don’t count the team out of the starting pitcher race, either:
The Sox could use another arm in the bullpen, too, though thankfully they already have the closer’s spot locked down, as Aroldis Chapman was just named the AL Reliever of the Month for the fifth time in his career. (Shanthi Sepe-Chepuru, MLB.com)
Of course we know one starting pitcher who definitely won’t end up with the Sox: Tarik Skubal, who landed with the Dodgers over the weekend. “Looks like they’re going to be positioned to have a pretty good rotation, and we don’t play them anymore after today unless we get to the World Series,” said Chad Tracy. “So we’ll deal with it then.” (Tim Healey, Boston Globe)
The players seem to be just as nonchalant as Tracy when it comes to thinking about trade deadline help. “If somebody comes, we’ll welcome them with open arms,” said Ceddanne Rafaela. “If not, we will keep winning baseball games with this team. That’s what we’re doing.” (Chris Cotillo, MassLive)
Ceddanne has earned the right to believe in his own abilities. Has he also earned the right to enter the MVP conversation? (Scott McLaughlin, WEEI)
