Red Sox's Updated Trade Targets with 2022 MLB Deadline Approaching

The Boston Red Sox have stormed back into the postseason hunt with a fantastic June, but there's work to be done before the trade deadline if they are going to be a legitimate title threat.

With Nick Pivetta and Michael Wacha both exceeding expectations, the rotation has been better than expected, even with Nathan Eovaldi, Chris Sale and Garrett Whitlock on the injured list.

A return to health for that group would be a major in-house boost, but even if they continue to be stretched thin in the starting staff, the bullpen will likely be the biggest priority during trade season.

Ahead, we've highlighted three players who could address that glaring area of need.

RHP Daniel Bard

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WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 28: Daniel Bard #52 of the Colorado Rockies pitches against the Washington Nationals during game two of a doubleheader at Nationals Park on May 28, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)

Once upon a time, Daniel Bard looked like the closer of the future for the Red Sox when he posted a 1.93 ERA and 9.2 K/9 with 32 holds in 73 appearances in 2010.

However, his command regressed considerably in the coming years, and he didn't make an appearance at the MLB level from 2014 through 2019 before popping back up with the Colorado Rockies in 2020.

Over the past three seasons, Bard has 41 saves and 10.7 K/9 in 118 appearances, and he's been lights out this year with a 2.12 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 10.9 K/9 with 15 saves in 17 chances.

The 37-year-old returning to Boston where it all started would be a nice full-circle story.

RHP David Bednar

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 30: David Bednar #51 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on May 30, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

The Pittsburgh Pirates found a bullpen ace when they acquired David Bednar in the three-team, seven-player deal that sent Joe Musgrove to the San Diego Padres.

After posting a 2.23 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 11.4 K/9 in 61 appearances pitching primarily in a setup role last year, he's been even better this year with a 1.78 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 12.5 K/9 with 11 saves in 28 games.

The 27-year-old is controllable through the 2026 season and won't even be arbitration-eligible for the first time until after the 2023 campaign, making him an extremely valuable asset for the rebuilding Pirates.

They could hold onto Bednar as a piece to build around, but a high-end relief pitcher is generally viewed as a luxury for a non-contending team and flipping him now would be the best way to maximize his value.

RHP Michael Fulmer

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DETROIT, MI - JUNE 19: Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Michael Fulmer (32) pitches during the seventh inning of a regular season Major League Baseball game between the Texas Rangers and the Detroit Tigers on June 19, 2022 at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Things have not gone as hoped for the Detroit Tigers this year, and while they are unlikely to blow things up on a roster with few veteran pieces, reliever Michael Fulmer looks like a prime candidate to be dealt.

The 29-year-old won AL Rookie of the Year honors in 2016 and made the AL All-Star team the following year, but his performance regressed the following year and then he missed the entire 2019 season recovering from Tommy John surgery.

After struggling to an 8.78 ERA in 27.2 innings in his return from injury, he moved to the bullpen last year and saved 14 games with a 2.97 ERA and 9.4 K/9 in 52 games.

Fulmer has a 2.00 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 9.0 K/9 with 12 holds in 27 appearances this year, and he should be available for little more than a mid-level prospect or two.

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All stats courtesy of Baseball Reference and accurate through Tuesday's games.