How Red Sox have chance to 'control' trade market for relievers in 2026

May 13, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Aroldis Chapman (44) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the ninth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

The Boston Red Sox are likely trending towards selling at the trade deadline, despite the team trying to stay afloat this season.

If they do sell, there's bound to be interest in players like Jarren Duran and Sonny Gray. But there are two other players the Red Sox could trade who could help them control the trade market this season.

As ESPN's Jeff Passan highlighted, the Red Sox have a chance to control the trade market for relievers this season thanks to Aroldis Chapman and Garrett Whitlock.

Red Sox can control reliever trade market

"But the hole they've dug themselves, combined with the lack of high-end relief pitching available at the deadline, puts Boston in the driver's seat to control the market," Passan writes.

Chapman and Whitlock are two players the Red Sox could use to control the trade market for relief pitching this season.

Whitlock has a 3.20 ERA this season and would surely be a trade target for many contenders this year if made available.

Chapman, on the other hand, might be the best reliever who could be dealt this year. He has a 0.48 ERA and has an absurd 845 ERA+.

Both are among the best relievers in baseball this season, and with relief pitching always being a top need for contenders, the Red Sox have the chance to hold the market captive with two of the best options on their payroll.

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With top contenders always looking to add reliever help, and Chapman and Whitlock being among the best options from both the left and right side, respectively, Boston has a chance to control the market this year for some truly incredible returns.

The Red Sox are at 26-34 this season, the worst record in the American League East. It would not be a surprise if they wound up selling at this year's deadline.

If Boston sells, Chapman and Whitlock are two names to watch, as Craig Breslow could use both relievers to set the market and receive some potentially franchise-altering returns for two of the best relievers who could be on the market this year.

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