Morning Sports Update

Craig Breslow discussed the Red Sox approach to the MLB trade deadline

"At some point, we need to stop with the stupid analogies and put the turn signal on."

Craig Breslow Red Sox trade deadline
Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow will have decisions to make before the July 30 MLB trade deadline. AP Photo/Charles Krupa

By Hayden Bird

Craig Breslow’s comments on the upcoming trade deadline: Regardless of what the Red Sox actually do at the upcoming MLB trade deadline at 6 p.m. on July 30, one clear takeaway is that Boston chief baseball officer Craig Breslow is tired of how the discussion has been framed.

Asked repeatedly what “lane” the Red Sox front office will be in — whether buyer or seller — Breslow produced a blunt response while discussing the impending deadline with Alex Speier of The Boston Globe.

“At some point, we need to stop with the stupid analogies and put the turn signal on,” he told Speier. “We’ve played really good baseball for the last few months. We’ve put ourselves in this position where we’re going to look to improve the team.”

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Given the lack of significant offseason investment, and a plethora of early season injuries, initial expectations for the Red Sox in July were limited. Boston, with an increasing stock of talent at the minor league level, was expected to look to the future.

Yet at 54-47 — recent post-All-Star struggles aside — the Red Sox are very much in the mix for an A.L. wild card spot. The future could be closer than forecasters might have expected, compelling Breslow to possibly move closer to the buyer’s market.

“We obviously have to be mindful of the future. In a perfect world, we can improve our 2024 team and also our ‘25 and beyond. That’s my job,” Breslow explained. “But I think as things stand right now, we’re looking for ways to improve the club.”

As for what Boston might try to add, the first-year Red Sox executive had two thoughts.

“I think if we were to be pretty specific, pitching is always what we look for at the deadline, especially given some of the injuries that we’re currently battling through,” Breslow said, listing starters such as Garrett Whitlock, Lucas Giolito, and several others.

And despite hoping that the Boston will get some of those players back in the rotation at some point, Breslow reiterated that it wouldn’t change the team’s desire to add pitching.

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Another target will be a righthanded bat, Breslow explained, “given how lefthanded we are.”

While the exact route Breslow and Boston’s front office will take is unclear, the general direction appears to be set: The Red Sox will at least be looking to buy.

“Currently the conversations we are having now are about helping the team.”

Trivia: Craig Breslow was originally drafted in 2002 by the Brewers. What future Red Sox starter was picked by Boston that year in the second round?

(Answer at the bottom).

Hint: He became a five-time All-Star, winning three World Series during his career (two with the Red Sox, one later on with the Cubs).

Scores and schedules:

The Red Sox were clobbered 20-7 by the Rockies on Wednesday. Boston now turns the page to a Fenway Park three-game series against the Yankees starting tomorrow evening at 7:10 p.m.

The Patriots continue training camp, with rookie quarterback Drake Maye among those to produce some highlights on Day 1.

More from Boston.com:

Patriots soundbites: Here’s a quick look at the team’s first day of training camp.

Alex Cora’s thoughts on signing an extension: The Red Sox announced Cora will stay on a three-year extension.

On this day: In 2019, the Red Sox smashed the Yankees 19-3 in what was the greatest offensive display by Boston in the history of its iconic rivalry with New York.

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Xander Bogaerts went 4-for-6 with two home runs and four RBIs.

Daily highlight: Drake Maye’s standout play from Day 1 of training camp.

Trivia answer: Jon Lester

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