Chicago Cubs: 5 logical trades involving Craig Kimbrel

The Chicago Cubs could trade Craig Kimbrel to the Boston Red Sox

Speaking of heated pennant races, the Boston Red Sox are in just that out in the AL East. They entered Saturday with just a 2.0 game lead over the Tampa Bay Rays and will certainly be buying at the deadline this year.

Even though Buster Olney doesn’t think Kimbrel would go back to Boston, it still seems like a logical landing spot for the veteran. If the Red Sox did attempt a deal for Kimbrel, the timing would be intriguing, to say the least. Boston opens a 3-game series against Tampa Bay on the day of the deadline — July 30. Should they want Kimbrel for that all-important series, they’d have to get a trade done beforehand.

For Boston, a deal for Kimbrel could look like this. It wouldn’t be as juicy as the previous deal involving San Diego, but the Cubs would still land a top-100 prospect in outfielder Jarren Duran. Currently the Red Sox’ no. 3 overall prospect, Duran could be called up as soon as this year. At the moment, he’s dealing with lower back tightness, but it doesn’t sound serious.

Additionally, right hander Bryan Mata would be thrown into the deal — Boston’s no. 4 overall prospect at the moment. Mata recently underwent Tommy John surgery, so his recovery will be something to monitor. However, he isn’t going to be ready for the Majors until roughly 2023.

Lastly, due to the lack of top prospects, the Red Sox would also send lefty Jay Groome, who is their no. 7 overall prospect right now.