MLB Trade Rumors: Red Sox Eye Angels 3B Luis Rengifo, Pitching Upgrades at Deadline

Zach BacharContributor IJuly 22, 2024

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The Boston Red Sox are targeting Los Angeles Angels infielder Luis Rengifo ahead of the MLB trade deadline, according to Chris Cotillo and Sean McAdam of MassLive.com.

Cotillo and McAdam noted that the Red Sox are “largely focused” on acquiring pitching help to bolster their starting rotation as well as their bullpen. However, Boston doesn’t have a “definitive” plan for the deadline just yet as the team currently sits one game out of the final wild card spot in the American League.

Rengifo hasn’t appeared in a game since July 3 due to a wrist injury, with the 27-year-old in the midst of an impressive season at the plate prior to the issue.

He amassed 79 hits in his first 69 games, recording a .315 batting average and racking up six home runs to go along with 25 RBIs. Despite his recent absence, his 22 steals are still the fourth-highest mark among all AL players.

MLB @MLBLuis Rengifo turns a deficit into a lead with one big swing! 😤 pic.twitter.com/zKa9mBvY4N

Boston isn’t the only team interested in acquiring Rengifo, as Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported on July 11 that the Angels’ phones have been “ringing off the hook” due to the interest in the utilityman.

However, Los Angeles doesn’t appear to be willing to let go of him easily. Cotillo and McAdam revealed on Monday that the Angels have a “preference to retain Rengifo,” as he’s under contract through the 2025 season.

While Boston’s starting rotation has been led by commendable seasons from Tanner Houck and Kutter Crawford, adding another starting-caliber arm could help the team during a postseason push.

Right-hander Kenley Jansen has performed admirably as a closer after securing an All-Star nod in 2023, although the Red Sox may be looking for another reliever to get the team to the ninth inning and put the ball in Jansen’s hands.

Boston could be one of the more active teams in the majors before the MLB trade deadline on July 30 at 6 p.m. ET.