Jeremy Peña could be the missing piece for the Red Sox as Boston climbs back into contention

Jeremy Peña could be the missing piece for the Red Sox as Boston climbs back into contention originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Boston Red Sox are on fire right now, winning 11 of their last 13 games, sweeping three of four series, with two of those series being against division leaders. They were almost totally out of contention before this run, and now they are only 2.5 games behind the final spot in the AL Wild Card.

With that in mind, being sellers isn’t really a feasible option; not when you are this close to contention. So, Boston needs to clear up one of their few weaknesses, and get another right-handed slugger, in Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena.

Shortstop has been a weakness for Boston

© Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

So far this season, Boston has shown they don’t really have a permanent answer to shortstop. They started the year with Trevor Story, who slashed a meager .206/.244/.303/.547 before landing on the 60-day IL due to surgery for a sports hernia.

They then filled the spot with Marcelo Mayer, who is supposed to be the shortstop of the future anyway. He barely batted better, slashing .220/.282/.312/.594 before he went down with a bone stress reaction in his forearm.

Right now, the Red Sox are using the bottom of their barrel to cover the position, so getting a reliable upgrade might be the path to take.

Pena is the perfect fit

Imagn Images

Enter Pena. Pena’s swing is built for Boston, as he can take advantage of the Green Monster for doubles and home runs. This season, he’s hitting .295/.356/.443/.799 with nine doubles, six home runs, and 48 RBI in 48 games. At Boston, he’s hit .349 with two homers and five RBI in 10 games.

His Gold Glove would also be even better at shortstop then what the Red Sox have now, and would solidify Boston’s already stalwart defense. Even ESPN’s MLB insider Jeff Passan has Boston as one of Pena’s best fits.

Boston has the assets

© Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Overall, the Red Sox have the assets to make the Astros consider a deal. Passan also noted in the article talking about Pena that the Astros need a lefty slugging outfielder, and some prospects to replenish their farm.

Boston has Jarren Duran, who fills that first need to a T, and some prospects that they could sell, minus Franklin Arias and Anthony Eyanson. On top of that, they could offer Patrick Sandoval, who made a great debut after returning from Tommy John surgery, as Houston needs pitching help as well.

Hopefully, Boston and Houston can get a deal in the works, as it could be mutually beneficial to both sides.

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