It was just last weekend when the Boston Red Sox thought they had an infielder who could help them reach the postseason for the second year in a row.
The Red Sox acquired infielder Curtis Mead from the Washington Nationals on July 25 in exchange for left-handed pitcher Connelly Early. But in just his second at-bat for his new team two days later, Mead was hit by a pitch and suffered a left wrist fracture against the Athletics, placing him on the injured list and possibly keeping him out for the rest of the season.
Boston was hoping that Mead could provide a huge boost in their lineup and in their infield. They are currently without Trevor Story (sports hernia), Roman Anthony (partially torn right finger), Marcelo Mayer (forearm stress reaction) and Isiah Kiner-Falefa (forearm stress reaction).
With Mead's injury adding another blow to their infield, the Red Sox are now expected to continue seeking infield help ahead of the August 3 deadline. Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reported Thursday that the Red Sox are pursuing infielders with the deadline ever so looming.
McCaffrey listed some potential names that the Red Sox could pursue. Luis Arráez, who signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco Giants, is expected to be on the move.
Zach Neto, whom the Red Sox have reportedly expressed interest in, is another potential fit. However, Neto is under team control with the Los Angeles Angels for three more seasons, which could raise the asking price on the 25-year-old.
Otto Lopez of the Miami Marlins is another infielder McCaffrey named as a fit for the Red Sox. Lopez, though, is also under team control for three more seasons. And while the Marlins are reportedly open to listening to offers on the 27-year-old All-Star, they still remain in the thick of the NL Wild Card chase after sweeping a three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Luis García Jr. of the aforementioned Nationals was a name that McCaffrey floated, but added that it wouldn't be "the cleanest fit" because García is one of the league's worst defenders. Nonetheless, McCaffrey said that García could be slotted in the DH role due to him hitting .281 with 22 homers and an .860 OPS through 101 games this season for Washington.
With the Red Sox needing to bolster their infield and their lineup after losing Mead potentially for the season, expect the ballclub to target some of those names floated.
