A year later, the Red Sox are once again hot at the All-Star break with reason to have realistic expectations of making it to the postseason. This time, they are ultra hot, riding a 10-game winning streak,

The Boston Red Sox could be looking at a very lucrative extension on a new contract for Alex Bregman. Keeping Bregman would mean cuts elsewhere on the roster.

Since going down with his quad injury, news has surfaced that Bregman would consider signing an extension or a new contract with the Red Sox before the end of the season. The New York Post's Jon Heyman reported that "both sides wouldn't mind getting something done," though discussions haven't yet been held.

San Diego Padres receive outfielder Jarren Duran. One proposed trade from Sportsnaut's Matt Johnson pitched the Red Sox shipping Duran to the Padres for San Diego closer Robert Suarez and a couple prospects. However, SI on Red Sox' Jackson Roberts wasn't a major advocate for that trade proposal.

The Boston Red Sox's long-anticipated trio of Kristian Campbell, Marcelo Mayer and Roman Anthony have all made their debut.

Can the Red Sox make good on their recent surge and punch their ticket back to the postseason? Here are a few reasons for optimism.