A 30-27 (as of this writing) record isn't much to write home about, and the Sox probably only have a shot at the playoffs because the American League Central is putrid. But this is a team that was expected to lose a lot again -- many Sox fans were saying that they expected the team would simply lose fewer than 100 games for the first time in several years, and that would be good enough.
However, not only are the Sox off to a good start, they're showing that it's not a fluke. Yes, this team still has needs, but it has held its own against quality teams like the Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres, and Chicago Cubs. There's talent here, even with star catcher Kyle Teel being out with an injury. Even with touted call-up -- and local kid -- Noah Schultz struggling before going on the injured list.
Can The Sox Survive Without Their Biggest Bat?
There's even enough talent here that the Sox should be able to absorb the loss of slugger Munetaka Murakami for 4 to 6 weeks with a hamstring injury. Although, losing their best offensive player right before a stretch of series against the Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, and New York Yankees isn't ideal.
Some might argue that the Sox are a year away from being truly competitive. Or more. And that might be true. But why wait to find out? Why risk that whatever alchemy this group has won't last until 2027? There might not even be a season in 2027, due to labor strife.
With that in mind, the Sox should go out and address holes in the roster with players who are up-and-coming prospects or solid players on the verge of veteran status. No older players who might still have gas in the tank but won't be here for long. No rentals, even if the rental is an A-list star. Go for players who will help open a playoff competition window and who will be here for the duration.
Right now, the team needs a bit of bullpen help, some more slugging, some more position-player depth, and perhaps a bit of help at the back end of the rotation. That said, some help is on the way from inside the organization. Teel will be back sooner or later -- even though catcher isn't a problem, Teel's bat will still help -- and Schultz hopefully will be back, and pitching better, soon. Outfielder Braden Montgomery and pitcher Hagen Smith wait in the wings in the farm system.
Indeed, that is the trick -- which Sox prospects would you send away to bring back a haul? I honestly don't know who I'd trade if I were in general manager Chris Getz's role. That's why he gets the big bucks -- he has to figure it out.
Still, even if Braden Montgomery and Hagen Smith provide reinforcements from within, the Sox could use some help. Maybe Benintendi, who is playing better than in previous years but would be no great loss, could be the centerpiece of a deal?
Or maybe Fedde, yet again? Or perhaps Jacob Gonzalez, called up to replace Murakami, if he shows potential?
One thing is for certain -- there is no reason to move Murakami, unless the haul is half a roster's worth of current A-list all-stars in the middle of their careers. Since that happening is about as likely as the Earth folding in on itself tomorrow, the better move is to extend Murakami and build around him. The rest of core, assuming no one gets moved, should include Miguel Vargas, Teel and fellow catcher Edgar Quero, infielders Chase Meidroth and Colston Montgomery, Schultz, Braden Montgomery, Smith, pitcher Davis Martin, and perhaps utility man Sam Antonacci.
That covers the middle infield, center field, the corner infield, and the front end of the rotation. Strengthen the slug, the corner outfield, the bullpen, and the back end of the rotation, and this team will be truly relevant again.
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