Red Sox could target $30 million Padres All-Star to boost bullpen

The Boston Red Sox are hanging at the .500 mark 36 games into the season. At 18-18, they are 1 1/2 games back of the New York Yankees for the American League East lead.

They had a busy offseason, adding Walker Buehler, Aroldis Chapman, Garrett Crochet and Alex Bregman, but have yet to put it all together this year.

Chapman has performed well in the closer's role, but there is a non-zero chance that Boston will need a reinforcement or two.

Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report surprisingly listed San Diego Padres closer Robert Suarez as a trade candidate. Perhaps Boston could use him in due time.

"We've already noted that Texas will almost certainly be on the hunt for a closer. Atlanta could be, too, if Raisel Iglesias continues to flounder. Possibly Boston in due time, as well, but so far so good with Aroldis Chapman. Someone always desperately wants a closer, though, and maybe San Diego capitalizes on that," Miller noted.

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Suarez could opt out of his contract at the end of the 2025 season, which makes a trade from the Padres possible.

The Red Sox have the prospects to get a deal done, and Suarez would significantly help their bullpen, even if Chapman continues to perform well.

The 34-year-old right-hander has a 0.56 ERA and has saved 14 games in 16 appearances. He was an All-Star for the first time in 2024, posting a 2.77 ERA and recording 36 saves.

But the Red Sox need to catch the Yankees if they want to reach the postseason. Another All-Star closer certainly can't hurt to have as they try to make a run.

We'll see where things stand at the deadline.

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