The Red Sox have spent the last few weeks turning the trade deadline conversation in their favor, and now they’re in a spot where a move that once felt far-fetched suddenly has some real oxygen behind it.
Boston opened the All-Star break on a tear, riding a nine-game winning streak and winning 14 of its last 16 entering Friday. They kept rolling in the first game of a day-night doubleheader against the Tampa Bay Rays, with Jake Bennett dealing and the offense piling up nine runs through the first six innings. The message from Boston has been loud and clear: this team is not easing up.
That matters because the deadline picture has changed with it. What looked like a club that might sell has started to look like a clear buyer, and one of the names now in the mix is Francisco Lindor.
At first glance, the idea of the New York Mets shortstop landing in Boston sounded like a long shot. It still comes with a massive contract - five years remaining on his 10-year, $341 million deal - but the fit is obvious. The Red Sox need another impact bat, and Lindor would give them exactly that.
The reason this has gained traction is the latest word out of New York. Chelsea Janes of SNY reported that the Mets have told teams everyone except Carson Benge, A.J. Ewing, Christian Scott, Nolan McLean and Juan Soto is available.
"A rival executive said the Mets informed their team that the sale is on, and that everyone but young stars Carson Benge, A.J. Ewing, Christian Scott, Nolan McLean and the obvious, Juan Soto, is available," Jane wrote.
Lindor’s name not appearing on that untouchable list is the key detail here. The five-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger Award winner would fill an obvious hole for Boston at shortstop while Trevor Story is out. And if Story eventually returns to help as a designated hitter or even at second base, the Red Sox would suddenly have a much higher floor for 2026.
That’s why this isn’t just wishful thinking anymore. If the Mets really are ready to tear things down, then a player of Lindor’s caliber being in play is the kind of opportunity teams don’t see often.
Boston should be on the phone.
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