With the Boston Red Sox set to be sellers at the trade deadline, we can expect plenty of rumors to swirl between now and Monday.
For instance, a report from The Athletic on Friday states the Houston Astros have contacted the Red Sox about a potential deal involving reliever Matt Barnes.
"Houston is interested in Arizona’s starter Robbie Ray — along with several other clubs — and also inquired on Boston’s Matt Barnes," Eno Sarris and Brittany Ghiroli of The Athletic wrote.
With our All Access Daily newsletter, stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Boston sports teams!
SIGN UP HERE Sarris and Ghiroli also reported the Rays and Red Sox are in "early discussions" on a Christian Vazquez trade.
Barnes' name being brought up in trade talks doesn't come as much of a surprise. Our own John Tomase reported last week Barnes has been Boston's most coveted reliever ahead of the deadline, and the Red Sox already parted ways with bullpen arms Brandon Workman and Heath Hembree.
Barnes has struggled so far this season with a 6.00 ERA in 12 appearances. For the majority of his previous six seasons with the Red Sox, the 30-year-old has been one one of the team's more reliable relievers.