The Boston Red Sox have rattled off nine straight victories, a stretch that has propelled them into the thick of the American League wild‑card race, winning 14 of their last 16 games and pushing their playoff odds to 40.1 percent.
A pivotal stretch
Their recent surge, which includes a 14‑2 stretch over the last 16 contests, has nudged their playoff probability to 40.1 percent, putting them just half a game behind the coveted wild‑card spot.
With the trade deadline looming on August 3, the club’s front office is signaling a clear intent to add rather than subtract, a reversal of the usual sell‑off posture that has defined many recent seasons.
Veteran reliever Aroldis Chapman, who has been one of the most dominant closers in the game over the past two years, is expected to remain in Boston, according to reports from MLB Network’s Jon Morosi.
General manager Brian Cashman and the scouting department are reportedly focusing on bolstering the bullpen and adding depth to the rotation, with starter Sonny Gray a candidate to stay if the right deal does not materialize.
The organization’s confidence in Chapman stems from his elite strike‑out rates and experience in high‑pressure situations, factors that could prove decisive in a tight September race.
Even as the Red Sox evaluate potential trade assets, the consensus among analysts is that parting with Chapman would be a risky move given his proven track record and the team’s current momentum.
The upcoming weeks will ultimately determine whether Boston’s aggressive stance translates into a postseason berth or merely a fleeting high‑water mark.