Diamondbacks Pitcher Andrew Chafin Emerges as Reported Red Sox Trade Target
The Red Sox are one of a number of teams looking to upgrade as the trade deadline approaches, and they have their eyes set on a reliever out west.
Arizona Diamondbacks lefty Andrew Chafin is on the market, and the Red Sox reportedly have interest in acquiring him.
Source: ARI LHP Andrew Chafin is a target for the Red Sox in trade talks. Low salary ($1.95 million), controlled through 2020 and modest acquisition cost. Also, the D'backs-Red Sox connection (Hazen, Sawdaye, Porter) makes for familiarity with organization and easier discussions.
— Sean McAdam (@Sean_McAdam) July 31, 2019
Boston's 4.54 bullpen ERA ranks 19th in the MLB, proving to be an important aspect of emphasis at the deadline. An upgrade to the relievers could go a long way for Boston's pitching, especially since Chris Sale has declined greatly this season. More and more relievers are being used when Sale and others are jettisoned early in games.
Chafin currently holds a 4.21 ERA in 50 appearances this season for the Diamondbacks. While that ERA is not the most flashy, Chafin offers value beyond this season. Even further, more expensive targets could be out of the Sox's price range or off the market at this point, like Blue Jays reliever Ken Giles.
Important element because 2 weeks ago Giles was among most likely top relievers to move. Now oppose execs say #bluejays probably can’t get enough, so should wait until offseason or next July to move him. https://t.co/SZDT3xykdO
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 30, 2019
The Diamondbacks are expected to sell at the deadline, with high-priced pieces such as Robbie Ray and Zack Greinke being made available. An average reliever won't be the splash Arizona expected, but getting anything in return for Chafin should be considered a win.
A major league-ready arm could be worth the price if it helps the Sox capture one of the two tightly contested wild card spots.