The Boston Red Sox have executed a significant trade ahead of the July 31 deadline, sending Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants for pitchers Jordan Hicks and Kyle Harrison, along with minor-league prospects. As they hold onto the final wild card spot in the AL, they face competition from several teams within striking distance, including the Tampa Bay Rays and Texas Rangers. To improve their chances, adding major-league-ready talent could mean parting with some top minor-league prospects.

MLB insider Jim Callis noted that while the Red Sox boast a wealth of position-player talent, they might have to offer some prospects, such as Franklin Arias and Jhostynxon Garcia, to teams in rebuilding phases. The Red Sox are less likely to trade coveted pitching prospects like Payton Tolle and Brandon Clarke, which could impact their long-term strategy, but focusing on current needs might be essential for making a playoff run.