A new report from a prominent MLB insider may open the door to the Boston Red Sox or Texas Rangers making a big trade for the proven closer they lack heading into the new season.
There is hope and excitement surrounding the Red Sox and Rangers as their camps open this week. While both clubs did not reach the playoffs in 2024, there is reason to believe they can be far better in the new year for different reasons.
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Boston showed last season they are a team on the rise and the additions of ace Garrett Crochet and veteran pitcher Walker Buehler will help make the Red Sox rotation a formidable group in 2025. As for the Rangers, they will have Jacob deGrom back healthy from the start as well as stud pitching prospect Kumar Rocker. Plus, the additions of Joc Pederson and Jake Burger make an already good lineup even better.
However, both clubs have one big issue. They don’t have a proven arm closing games for them heading into the season. Texas has journeyman Chris Martin penciled in as their closer to start camp. The Sox could go with a closer-by-committee strategy featuring Aroldis Chapman, Liam Hendriks, and Justin Slaten as options. However, a new report offers a better option that is allegedly on the trade block.
Could the Boston Red Sox or Texas Rangers trade for Robert Suarez this Spring?
On Tuesday, ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan took a look at the current situation with the San Diego Padres heading into Spring Training. The team reportedly wants to slash payroll this year and has been linked to trade rumors regarding starters Dylan Cease and Michael King. However, he revealed another interesting name up for grabs.
“San Diego also has listened to offers for closer Robert Suarez, an understandable tack considering the Padres’ bullpen depth — Jason Adam could step in to close — as well as Suarez’s ability to opt out of the final two years of his contract next winter,” Passan wrote.
- Robert Suarez stats (2024): 36 saves, 2.77 ERA, 59 strikeouts, 65.0 innings
The 33-year-old had a breakout season in 2024 as he posted 36 saves in 65 appearances and earned All-Star honors for the first time. There is risk in a trade because he can opt-out after this season. However, if either team wants to reach the playoffs this year, improving the back end of the bullpen is a must.
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