Jeff Passan of ESPN has identified 13 teams with records over .500 that are in the playoff hunt and may look to make trades. Among potential trade targets, he mentioned Los Angeles Angels infielder Luis Rengifo as a good fit for the Boston Red Sox. The Red Sox, who have been playing their best baseball of the season in the past two weeks, face an uncertain approach with the MLB trade deadline five weeks away, leaving their decision to buy or sell unclear.
“To be clear, the Red Sox are not yet committed to adding players. However, their recent performance has put them in a position where not making moves could reflect poorly on an organization that has already faced significant criticism in recent years. Rengifo, a 27-year-old under team control until after the 2025 season, would provide versatility—he can play both second base and shortstop, which are areas of need for the Red Sox—and he offers a potent bat. This would be a solid move that benefits them now and gives them future options.
“That said, if Boston continues their strong performance and enters July firmly in a playoff spot, the Red Sox should definitely consider contacting the Mets about the possibility of acquiring Pete Alonso. Even though first baseman Triston Casas is expected to return in early July, the Red Sox have struggled with a sub-.300 weighted on-base percentage from the DH position. Upgrading with a player like Alonso could address this issue, despite the size of Masataka Yoshida’s contract.”
Luis Rengifo Ideal Trade Acquisition for Red Sox
David Hamilton has been the most impactful shortstop for the Red Sox this season, posting a .282/.333/.449 slash line and a .782 OPS over 41 games. While Hamilton has earned playing time, the Red Sox should seek a more consistent everyday option at shortstop. This would allow Hamilton to serve as a valuable depth piece.
Luis Rengifo, a switch-hitter, is enjoying an impressive offensive season with a .311/.360/.320 slash line and a .780 OPS. Although his defensive skills aren’t as strong as his offense, acquiring Rengifo wouldn’t require a significant investment from the Red Sox. He presents an attractive option to strengthen their lineup without disrupting their long-term plans. Given that the Angels are likely to be sellers at the trade deadline, Rengifo could be a viable target.
