The Boston Red Sox fought their way back into the postseason race, but then traded away their best hitter. They could swing a trade to land his replacement.

Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow acknowledged on a conference call Sunday night that the deal leaves a hole in the lineup, but he hoped it would pay off this season. Although there is a newly created need for a power hitter, the team now has roster and payroll flexibility to add players at the trade deadline, he said.