Red Sox's Top Players to Target and Avoid at 2022 MLB Trade Deadline

The Boston Red Sox limped into the All-Star break with a 5-12 record to begin the month of July, and the next few weeks will ultimately determine whether they are buyers, sellers or holders at this year's trade deadline.

If they do decide to buy, it would make sense to target controllable assets who can help beyond just being two-month rentals considering their standing in the AL East.

The pitching staff is a logical place to start, both in the starting rotation, where multiple veterans are slated to reach free agency, and in the bullpen, which has been a weak spot for much of the year. First base is also a bit of a revolving door while they wait on the arrival of top prospect Triston Casas.

Ahead, we've highlighted two players the team should target and taken a quick look at two guys they would be wise to avoid.

Target: RHP David Bednar, Pittsburgh Pirates

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

DENVER, COLORADO - JULY 17: Pitcher David Bednar #51 of the Pittsburgh Pirates throws against the Colorado Rockies in the ninth inning at Coors Field on July 17, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

An elite closer is a luxury for a non-contender, and even though things are looking up for the Pittsburgh Pirates, they are still at least a year or two away from being a serious threat in the NL Central.

Closer David Bednar has converted 16 of 20 save chances with a 2.89 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 11.7 K/9 in 37 appearances, building off a strong second half to the 2021 season when he took over ninth-inning duties.

With club control through the 2026 season, the Pirates don't need to trade him any time soon to maximize his value, but they'd be wise to at least entertain offers for their bullpen ace.

He could be the long-term answer to a shaky closer situation in Boston.

Target: RHP Luis Castillo, Cincinnati Reds

Justin Casterline/Getty Images

CINCINNATI, OHIO - JULY 03: Luis Castillo #58 of the Cincinnati Reds throws a pitch in the game against the Atlanta Braves at Great American Ball Park on July 03, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

The Red Sox should be major players in the market for both Luis Castillo and Frankie Montas, with both players carrying club control through the 2023 season.

Veterans Nathan Eovaldi, Michael Wacha and Rich Hill are all set to reach free agency at the end of the season, leaving the starting rotation in a state of flux looking ahead to the 2023 season.

Penciling in one of those frontline starters would help reduce the offseason to-do list, while also benefiting the team this year if they are still in a position to contend for a wild-card berth.

Neither pitcher will come cheap, but it would address a major need.

Players to Avoid

Michael Fulmer (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JULY 06: Michael Fulmer #32 of the Detroit Tigers throws a pitch while playing the Cleveland Guardians at Comerica Park on July 06, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

1B Josh Bell, Washington Nationals

The Red Sox rank dead last in batting average (.209) and OPS (.604) from the first base position this year, and it would not be difficult to find an upgrade over the stopgap platoon of Bobby Dalbec and Franchy Cordero. However, mortgaging significant prospect talent for two months of Bell would be a mistake for a team that is on the fringe of contention. Instead, they could simply wait until top prospect Triston Casas is recovered from his ankle injury and give him a shot to prove he can be the everyday guy in 2023.

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RHP Michael Fulmer, Detroit Tigers

Consider Fulmer a place-holder for any rental reliever, as the Red Sox simply should not be adding any short-term pieces to a flawed team that might not even make the playoffs. That list also includes David Robertson, Daniel Bard, Alex Colome and several others.

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All stats courtesy of Baseball Reference.