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After a brutal series loss to the Washington Nationals, the Boston Red Sox were hit with another blow: their All-Star first baseman, Willson Contreras, was suspended for seven games after an altercation with some Nationals players during the last game of the series.
With this in mind, Boston’s ever so small chances of contention may have finally fizzled out. So, a decision come August may be made, finally choosing being sellers over buyers.
Contreras is the heart of Boston’s offense
Jaiden Tripi-Imagn Images
The Red Sox have one of the worst offenses in baseball, but they did have one shining light in Contreras. So far this season, he was slashing .283/.377/.529/.906 with 14 doubles, two triples, 18 home runs, and 53 RBI in 83 games played.
Contreras is thriving in Boston, as the numbers he’s putting up this season are some of the best he’s had in years. With him being out for seven games, Boston’s losing their spark. And with that lost spark, it would probably be time to clean house and rebuild for next season.
The first players to go are clear
© Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
There are two guys, for sure, that Boston will get big returns on if they decide to sell: Starting pitcher Sonny Gray, and closer Aroldis Chapman.
Gray is having his best season in years, posting a 9-1 record, a 2.69 ERA, 75 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.112 over 83 innings pitched. As for Chapman, he’s definitely declining, but still good; he’s posted a 2.19 ERA, 32 Ks, a WHIP of 1.257 and 16 saves in 26 games.
Both of these guys could net Boston some serious assets, and maybe even a slugger that they desperately need
Boston still has a chance
Jun 22, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Boston Red Sox infielder Willson Contreras (40) celebrates after an RBI double in the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
The Red Sox have three series before the All-Star Break, all on the road. They’ll be facing the Los Angeles Angels, the last-place team in the AL West, the AL Central-leading Chicago White Sox, and the New York Mets, the last-place team in the NL East.
If Boston can manage to sweep one of those series, and take another, they could still debate on whether to sell or not at the deadline. However, if they can’t, it would be the final nail in the coffin for their 2026 season.
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