Rumored Red Sox Trade Piece Could Make Perfect Sense For Struggling Angels

The Boston Red Sox are in an interesting spot. 

Boston is 43-43 through 86 games so far this season. The Red Sox currently are in last place in the National League Central but still are in contention for a Wild Card spot. Boston currently is five games back of the third American League Wild Card spot.

The 2023 MLB Trade Deadline is set to pass on August 1 and the Red Sox are expected to be very active. Boston -- like last season -- seems to be too good to fully rebuild, but not good enough to go all in at the deadline. The Red Sox likely will deal a few veterans set for free agency to recoup some prospects while keeping the club's 2023 postseason hopes alive. One player that has found his name in trade rumors as of late and could be on the move is slugger Adam Duvall and one team that makes perfect sense is the Los Angeles Angels. 

Los Angeles is in a similar position as the Red Sox. The Angels currently are 45-43 and are desperate to compete for a postseason berth as the club hopes to retain two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani in free agency. Los Angeles has struggled as of late and is 4-10 over its last 14 games and has dealt with a string of bad luck including injuries to superstar center field Mike Trout, third baseman Anthony Rendon, and even Ohtani. 

Trout recently suffered a fractured hamate bone and likely will miss a chunk of time. If Los Angeles still is looking to stay afloat, a player like Duvall would be a perfect fit. The one-time All-Star could provide solid defense and impressive power to the club's lineup while it looks to stay afloat in Trout's absence. Eventually, when Trout returns, Duvall could move to designated hitter. 

Los Angeles has a few interesting prospects that could entice the Red Sox to make a move. The Angels' top two prospects are catchers in Logan O'Hoppe and Edgar Quero so maybe one could be had in a package deal. Los Angeles has a few interesting hurlers like No. 4 prospect Sam Bachman and No. 9 prospect Ben Joyce. While Boston likely would need to include more than just Duvall to nab one of the top prospects, a move could make sense. The Angels are desperate to retain Ohtani, so maybe the Red Sox could get a solid return for someone like Duvall. 

More MLB: Three Fiery Red Sox Veterans Reportedly Could Be On Move Ahead Of Trade Deadline