The Red Sox’ Craig Breslow is reportedly set to fill two positions at the trade deadline

The Boston Red Sox find themselves in the same precarious position they faced at the last two Major League Baseball trade deadlines: in the middle with a .500 record.

Most organizations make the dreaded decision to buy or sell because it is largely dictated by their records. However, the Red Sox are still in the middle of the pack and will have to decide whether to strengthen their current lineup or stick to the boat and try to find pieces that could give them an edge in 2025.

Given his consistent messages since taking over the baseball operation that future wins should not be sacrificed for the sake of current ones, you’d think Breslow would look at the 31-31 team and decide to sell all of his upcoming free agents.

However, it is reportedly at least developing a game plan for buyers that addresses two key areas of need.

“Red Sox baseball executive Craig Breslow is looking for more starting pitches and a short-term solution to shortstops,” Jim Bowden of The Athletic reported Tuesday.

The Red Sox’s starting pitching has been outstanding this season, with a combined ERA of 3.32, fourth-best in MLB. However, a rotation without Garrett Whitlock has some flaws at the back, as Cooper Criswell is starting to falter and the depth behind him is abysmal.

As for the shortstop situation, it’s a mess. Trevor Story has been missing since the first trip and will not be returning. Other injuries have seen the versatile Ceddanne Rafaela switch between center back and centre-back, leaving the center with a rotating cast.

David Hamilton has handled his shortstop duties well in recent weeks, but he’s not expected to maintain the .282/.339/.436 slash line that has led to his .774 OPS (116 OPS+) in 41 games this season. He has earned playing time, but the Red Sox would be wise to find other options if they decide to invest in their chips.

With all that said, I don’t expect Boston to make a purchase when the time comes. Tyler O’Neill, Nick Pivetta, Kenley Jansen and Chris Martin – The Red Sox will have some very desirable pieces for sale. For Breslow to commit all the prospect capital he could acquire, they would have to play better than .500.

At this point in the season, with all the injuries he’s had, it’s hard to imagine Boston winning enough games to convince him to buy him. If that happens, we’ll see if Breslow can pull off a similar trade in 2022 to his predecessor, who managed to swap two months of Christian Vázquez for American League Rookie of the Year candidate Wilyer Abreu and second baseman Enmanuel. Valdez.

More MLB: The Red Sox top prospect is taking a major step toward the big leagues with a promotion