It's no secret the Red Sox need to address their less-than-stellar bullpen and starting rotation at the July 31 trade deadline if they hope to make a run toward the postseason.
They have already reportedly looked at Madison Bumgarner and Marcus Stroman as starting options while Toronto's Daniel Hudson is a reported target for some bullpen help.
Keeping with the theme of potential bullpen additions, the Red Sox reportedly have 'active interest' in Padres closer Kirby Yates and Blue Jays closer Ken Giles, according to Jon Morosi.
Both have been very good closers this season for their respective clubs, who could both be sellers at the deadline. Yates, 32, leads the National League in saves with 31 to go with a 1.07 ERA and 67 strikeouts in 40 appearances.
Giles, 29, has tallied just 14 saves on the season, but his 1.64 ERA in 33 games and electric stuff would certainly be a welcome addition in the Boston bullpen. The Red Sox are in no place to be picky.
Acquiring a closer would be a curious move considering the Sox' plan to use Nathan Eovaldi as the full-time closer. Of course, they could bring a legitimate closer to open up a return to the rotation for Eovaldi, but it would be odd to get a closer before getting a good look at Eovaldi in that role.
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