The Red Sox host the Dodgers on July 25 as trade target Josh Naylor is dealt elsewhere. With Abraham Toro struggling, can Boston overcome LA's challenge?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The lights at Fenway Park will be bright tonight as the Red Sox (55-49) welcome the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers (60-43), but a shadow looms over the ballpark. Just as this crucial series begins, a top trade target slipped through Boston's fingers, putting the front office under immense pressure with the trade deadline just days away.
Abraham Toro, who started the season strong for the Red Sox, has cooled off considerably, batting just .216/.300/.258 over his last 30 games.
The hunt for a first base upgrade hit a significant snag yesterday when the Seattle Mariners acquired Josh Naylor from the Diamondbacks. Naylor was widely seen as an ideal rental for the Sox, a potential shot in the arm for a position that has become a black hole. The need is glaring, especially with Abraham Toro's recent performance. After a hot start, Toro has cratered, leaving a major gap in the lineup. With Naylor gone, Craig Breslow's team must pivot and explore other options, but the market for impact first basemen is now one player thinner.
The challenge doesn't get much bigger than the visiting Dodgers. Boston enters the series as home underdogs (-122 moneyline), a role they've played 38 times this season, winning 16 of those contests. To pull off an upset against LA starter Emmet Sheehan, the Sox will need their key bats to deliver. Wilyer Abreu (20 HR, 55 RBI) and Trevor Story (15 HR, 60 RBI) must provide the power, while Ceddanne Rafaela needs to continue being a sparkplug. A series win here would be a massive statement and could heavily influence the team's deadline strategy.
While the big-league club navigates a tricky period, the future has never looked brighter. The Red Sox farm system remains the undisputed No. 1 in baseball, a sentiment echoed by recent rankings from Baseball America, Prospects Live, and ESPN. Outfielder Roman Anthony leads a deep and talented group that includes Franklin Arias and Jhostynxon Garcia. This incredible depth, a product of both Chaim Bloom's and Craig Breslow's efforts, provides a safety net and a promise of sustained success, regardless of the bumps in the current season.
The next 72 hours could define the Red Sox's 2025 season. A strong showing against the Dodgers might convince the front office to make an aggressive push for another first baseman before the deadline. A stumble could force a more conservative approach. All eyes are on Fenway Park tonight, not just for the 7:10 p.m. first pitch, but for a glimpse into the team's immediate future.
