The Boston Red Sox entered the MLB offseason anticipating that they would re-sign All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman, keeping a core part of the middle of their order for years to come. Instead, Bregman left for the Chicago Cubs, and that move has forced Boston to pivot in another direction.
According to Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe, the Red Sox are attempting to make a “prospect-based trade” before the regular season begins to add a “legit bat” to the lineup.
The focus on a deal centered on prospects is notable. Boston is deep in the outfield, with the ability to move someone like Masataka Yoshida or Jarren Duran to a club seeking an upgrade. It might be a more viable path to landing a “legit” hitter, but the front office is focused right now on moving prospects.
While no specific prospects were named, it is possible the club could be willing to move someone like infielder Dorian Soto or Yoeilin Cespedes, along with a pitching prospect, to acquire a second or third baseman. Boston does have some minor league pitching depth, so it could afford to move one of its top pitching prospects for an infielder who would slide into the top seven of the Red Sox lineup.
If going based on MLB trade rumors, there are some names to keep an eye on. The Washington Nationals are open to moving shortstop C.J. Abrams, who could be moved to second base if the Red Sox acquired him. At third base, there are options like Houston Astros infielder Isaac Paredes and New York Mets infielders Brett Baty and Mark Vientos.
For now, nothing appears imminent. However, the front office clearly wants to fill the void in the lineup created by Bregman’s departure, and the team is in a fortunate position where it has both the prospect depth and the outfielders to pull off a significant deal.
