If the Red Sox want to add a top talent before Thursday's trade deadline, Boston might have to give up a top prospect or two.

WORCESTER — Double-A Portland manager Chad Epperson called top Red Sox pitching prospects Connelly Early and David Sandlin into his office Sunday, telling them “it’s that time of the year.” The MLB trade deadline is Thursday at 6 p.m. and Epperson had the two pitchers thinking they were being dealt.

For the first time since 2021, the Red Sox will arrive at the trade deadline in possession of one of the American League’s six postseason spots. Their position is hardly secure. The Sox remain in a tight cluster with the Yankees, Mariners, and Rangers for the AL’s three Wild Card berths.