The Boston Red Sox and San Diego Padres were two MLB clubs that received a lot of attention leading up to the non-waiver trade deadline. Neither team made significant moves despite the plentiful rumors, but could they strike a deal between now and next season?
The waiver trade deadline lasts up until August 31, but it doesn't seem like either the Red Sox or the Padres are in any rush to make a deal since they are all but officially out of the playoff race. However, it's possible the two sides could revisit their rumored discussions involving third baseman Pablo Sandoval and starter James Shields.
"Two bad contracts. Around the deadline there was speculation this had been discussed," writes Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. "'It makes too much sense, so it won't happen,' said one veteran scout. The Padres wanted Sandoval last offseason and offered more than the Red Sox and Giants. Third base is a tough position to fill, so why wouldn't the Padres still have some interest?"
While one source told Jon Heyman of CBS Sports the Red Sox and Padres "never discussed" this scenario, one would think it at least crossed the minds of general managers Ben Cherington and A.J. Preller. Sandoval has underperformed for the Red Sox thus far into his first season with the team and Shields at $21 million per year from 2016-2018 is of little use to the Padres since they now have a lot of work to do after their failed offseason overhaul.
Boston is in need of continuity and stability atop their rotation and the Padres could use a third baseman (as well as ANY offensive help), especially after Will Middlebrooks was demoted to Triple-A. The Red Sox were in the running for Shields at some point this past offseason and the Padres did their best to lure Sandoval to San Diego, which is why this is something that may interest both parties.
Here's our case for Shields to the Red Sox:
Shields has a ton of experience in the AL East after spending years with the Tampa Bay Rays; he would immediately become the veteran presence in that rotation to lead the young staff; his ability to eat innings and strike out batters will provide relief for the bullpen and the defense; and this would be a safe move for the Red Sox considering at this point it might be hard for them to lure a premier starting pitcher in free agency after missing the playoffs five times in the past six seasons.
Additionally, the Red Sox can use Travis Shaw or Brock Holt at the hot corner until they figure out another solution. Also, prospect third baseman Rafael Devers is only 18 and could eventually be the solution after turning heads during his second season in the minors.
"This is a special player," said Darren Fenster, who is Devers' manager at Class A Greenville, via Alex Speier of the Boston Globe. "The work that he does is as good as anyone we have because he loves to work . . . There's a focus in him that comes from a genuine desire to get better, because he genuinely loves the game. His season has really spoken for itself."
As for Sandoval becoming a Padre:
The veteran's best (and only other) years were on the West Coast, so maybe returning there will help him get back on track; San Diego would save nearly $4 million per season from 2016-2018, which would allow them to add other pieces in free agency; and the Padres would gain more flexibility in their lineup with the switch-hitting Sandoval. An overwhelming majority of their batters hit from the right side and the lineup struggles against right-handed pitching (.242 batting average against righties ranks 26th and .674 OPS ranks 28th in MLB).
Although nothing is imminent and this scenario is merely a rumor, it's at least worth to keep an eye on in the offseason when the Red Sox and Padres try to figure out their plans for 2016 and beyond.
