Red Sox 'salivate' at idea of trading for .830 OPS Athletics catcher

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Following their 15-game win streak, the Boston Red Sox are now back in contention and right back among the teams expected to buy at the MLB trade deadline.

While there have been rumors about Zach Neto and CJ Abrams this summer as possible trade targets, the Red Sox could also look to upgrade their catcher spot.

According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, amid such a need, the Red Sox would "salivate" at the idea of trading for one catcher: .830 OPS Athletics All-Star Shea Langeliers.

Red Sox 'salivate' at trade idea for Shea Langeliers

"They've got plenty of money in the coffers after unloading Rafael Devers last summer, and have no hesitancy acquiring big stars," Nightengale writes. "... They also salivate over the idea of having Shea Langeliers behind the plate."

Nightengale, using the word "salivate" here, shows just how much the Red Sox would like to have Langeliers as their new starting catcher.

Not only would it mean their rivals in the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees, both of which need catcher help, wouldn't get Langeliers, but it'd mean Boston got maybe the best catcher who could be traded this summer.

The 28-year-old has played in 92 games this season, and he's already put up career-best numbers. He has 3.8 bWAR, higher than his 3.5 bWAR mark from a year ago in 123 games.

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Langeliers is hitting .263 with an .830 OPS and 23 home runs on the year. While he might not have the same offensive production as he did a year ago, when he had an .861 OPS, he has been one of the best-hitting catchers in baseball this season.

Craig Breslow and company could win back the fan base if they acquired someone like Langeliers. He'd not only be a huge upgrade at catcher for the team, and block their rivals from getting him, but it'd show the fans they believe in this team.

The Red Sox clearly would love to add Langeliers if they could, based on how they reportedly "salivate" over the idea of adding the A's catcher in a trade. While an odd word choice, it shows just how much Langeliers would mean to this team.