5 Biggest Boston Red Sox Rumors Heading Into July

5. David Ortiz Isn't Going Anywhere

In the past few weeks, rumors have started swirling that the Red Sox could try to trade David Ortiz to a contender in order to get prospects at the deadline. Even though the Red Sox aren’t completely out of the race, it could make sense to try to move the beloved veteran. However, he’s not going anywhere as of right now. The slugger says he will block any trade and stay in Boston. It will be interesting to see if he changes his tune should the Red Sox continue to struggle.

4. Cole Hamels Still Seems Like A Possibility

From the get-go, it seemed like the Red Sox were the best fit for pitcher Cole Hamels, and at some points it seemed like it was just a matter of time until they got a deal done for him. Things have gotten complicated with the team on the periphery of the AL East race, but they could still be aggressive at the deadline to try and save a lost season. If they re-visit the Phillies and start over negotiations that have seemingly broken down at times this season, perhaps they can forge a deal.

3. Manager John Farrell Could Be On the Hot Seat

Farrell has gotten support from general manager Ben Cherington and president Larry Lucchino publicly, but that’s to be expected. They don’t want to roast their manager when their team still has an outside chance at climbing back into the division race. However, if the team fails to make the playoffs for the second straight season after winning the World Series in 2013, they will have to seriously consider parting ways with the skipper.

2. For Now, Team Still Seems Like A Buyer

It’s strange to call a team that was eight games under .500 entering July a buyer, but that certainly seems to be what the Red Sox are right now. They're just seven games out of first place, well within striking distance. They have the prospects to land a top pitcher at the deadline; now the only question is, can they find a partner?

1. Team Asking A Lot For Buchholz In A Potential Trade

Even though the Red Sox seem like buyers now, that could change if they don’t make up some ground by late July. The team hasn’t expressed a strong willingness to trade starter Clay Buchholz, who is generating a lot of interest around the league, but they are asking quite a bit in a potential deal. The team believes Buchholz commands a return of “major league talent” or “elite-level prospects”. Boston could easily be doing this just to see if a team will bite at their high asking price, but it’s interesting nonetheless.