"Duran adds an All-Star-caliber left fielder to the Padres’ lineup, plugging a hole at a position that has produced the fifth-lowest OPS (.632) in the majors this year. Boston could get a few of the Padres’ top prospects in return, but a bigger piece could be closer Robert Suarez (3.54 ERA and 1.03 WHIP)," Johnson wrote.

But, despite all the chaos, the Red Sox have strung together an impressive stretch lately, and are now just three games back of the Toronto Blue Jays for the American League East lead. Boston is a good team, albeit far from perfect, and its 53-45 record suggests it will buy at the deadline.

The Boston Red Sox will need to be very smart and meticulous with their payroll if they want to re-sign Alex Bregman in free agency.