Morning Sports Update

Craig Breslow shared his thoughts on the Red Sox trade deadline moves

"I think, most fortunately, we were able to accomplish what we set out to do."

By Hayden Bird

July 31, 2024

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Craig Breslow on the Red Sox trade deadline: With the MLB trade deadline now passed, Red Sox fans can reflect on the transactions the team made (or didn’t make) to help improve the team.

In addition to fans, Boston chief baseball officer Craig Breslow is also analyzing the moves in real time. He spoke to reporters about the team’s position on Tuesday following the deadline.

“First time in this seat,” he remarked of his new role in 2024 at the head of a team’s baseball operations. “Able to kind of follow the ups and downs, bit of a roller coaster. But I think that’s pretty normal for this time of year. I think, most fortunately, we were able to accomplish what we set out to do.”

Breslow’s shopping list included three categories, each of which he can rightfully claim to have addressed. A starting pitching void was filled with the reacquisition of James Paxton. Bullpen help was achieved via the trades for relievers Lucas Sims and Luis Garcia, while another hitter was added (Danny Jensen) to help against left-handed pitching.

Exactly how much the acquired players will help remains to be seen, but Breslow contextualized the moves within both short and long-term Red Sox goals.

He also referenced his earlier comments regarding the team’s position, and why he felt the roster was worthy of additions in an attempt to make a playoff push.

“I meant what I said when I said that I think this team has positioned itself to be deserving of adding and improving,” Breslow explained. “We were able to do that, but also I was going to be anchored to doing what I thought was best for the Red Sox.

“If that meant that there was an opportunity to add a massive amount of talent, potentially at the expense of one of those guys, that we had to listen and we set a very high bar that would have needed to have been met. And it wasn’t,” he added. “So I think we’re certainly a better team because those guys are here and look forward to them taking the field and helping us win games down the stretch.”

The Red Sox, now 56-50, begin the season stretch run to the playoffs two games out of the final American League wild card spot.

Trivia: According to Baseball Reference, Craig Breslow is one of only three players drafted out of Yale to go on to have an MLB career. Of the other two, one became an All-Star. Can you name him?

(Answer at the bottom).

Hint: He grew up in Mass. and was a member of the 1986 Mets pitching staff. He currently works as a member of the Mets’ television broadcast team.

Scores and schedules:

The Red Sox lost to the Mariners 10-6 on Tuesday. The two teams conclude the three-game series today at 4:10 p.m.

Elsewhere, the Paris Olympics continue with another packed day of sports.

More from Boston.com:

• Red Sox defense is sloppy in 10-6 loss to Mariners at Fenway
• Red Sox bolster bullpen with 2 relievers at trade deadline
• Red Sox add Lucas Sims in trade with Reds
• Revolution agree to trade left back DeJuan Jones to Columbus Crew
• Matthew Judon misses second straight practice, and other takeaways from Day 6 of Patriots camp
• Rhamondre Stevenson says Patriots are running his ‘favorite scheme’ on offense
• What Patriots specialists are saying about new NFL kickoff rules
• Kendrick Perkins calls out Steve Kerr for benching Jayson Tatum in Olympics opener
• Jerod Mayo admits he hasn’t had any ‘communication’ with Bill Belichick
• Is the Paris Olympics 2024 mascot so weird it works?

Rasheed Wallace on Brian Scalabrine: Wallace called his former Celtics teammate the “best locker room player,” citing it as an underrated criteria for NBA scouts.

On this day: In 2007, the Celtics completed a franchise-altering trade to add Kevin Garnett from the Minnesota Timberwolves. The addition of the future Hall-of-Famer restored Boston to its status among the NBA’s elite, completing a notable offseason that also included trading for Ray Allen.

Meanwhile, the Red Sox added reliever Eric Gagne at the MLB trade deadline ahead of what became a championship run.

Daily highlight: In a memorably emotional ending to an enjoyable run at the Paris Olympics, the U.S. women’s rugby sevens team clinched a bronze medal — the first medal by any U.S. Olympic rugby team — on the final play of the third place game against Australia in a 14-12 walk-off win.

Trivia answer: Ron Darling