It seemed like the Red Sox would be aggressive buyers at the trade deadline, especially after getting rid of Devers’ contract. While they did make some moves, they weren’t anything special on the surface. ESPN’s David Schoenfield named Boston as one of the trade deadline losers.

According to sources, the Red Sox remained engaged on top starters up to the end. San Diego hotly pursued Duran, but the Red Sox didn’t see enough return to move him. Boston tried to trade for Eugenio Suarez with the intent of moving him to first base before Arizona sent him to Seattle.

At some point, New England is going to stop being fooled by the Red Sox annual empty promises. When Boston salary-dumped Rafael Devers, they chose a deal that freed them of all of his contract instead of maintaining salary and getting back better prospects.