The Boston Red Sox had a busy offseason, securing significant players like two-time All-Star Alex Bregman, Chicago White Sox lefty Garrett Crochet, Los Angeles Dodgers World Series hero Walker Buehler, and flame-throwing reliever Aroldis Chapman.
This impressive roster makeover has earned praise as an “A-plus” offseason for the team. However, as spring training kicks off, there are calls for the Red Sox to make one more strategic move, this time in the bullpen.
With the departure of Kenley Jansen, the Red Sox’s longtime closer, many are suggesting that the team should trade for a potential replacement—San Diego Padres closer Robert Suárez.
Suárez, who saved 36 games out of 42 chances last season, is regarded as one of the hardest throwers in baseball. His contract with the Padres is nearing its final guaranteed year, making him a potential target for teams in need of a closer.
According to some commentators, the Padres are in a tight spot with the Competitive Balance Tax, and moving Suárez’s $10 million contract would help them stay under the threshold.
As a result, the Red Sox could acquire Suárez without parting with a significant amount of prospect capital, as the Padres’ main goal would be shedding his salary.
Additionally, the prospect of a larger trade emerged, with some suggesting the Red Sox could land both Suárez and 28-year-old Cy Young contender Dylan Cease from the Padres.
Cease, who ranked fourth in the National League Cy Young voting last season, could be an incredibly valuable asset to the Red Sox rotation.
A proposal from Cody Williams of Fansided suggests a trade package that would include starting pitcher Kutter Crawford, Gold Glove outfielder Wilyer Abreu, and two promising prospects: outfielder Miguel Bleis and shortstop Dorian Soto.
While this deal would cost the Red Sox a lot, the payoff could be substantial, potentially turning their pitching staff into one of the most formidable in the league.
If executed, this trade would solidify the Red Sox’s pitching depth with a starting rotation including Crochet, Cease, Buehler, Tanner Houck, and either Lucas Giolito or Brayan Bello, in addition to one of the most dominant closers in MLB.
The combination of these moves could instantly transform the Red Sox into one of baseball’s deepest and most competitive teams.
However, it remains to be seen whether the Red Sox and Padres will be able to finalize such a blockbuster deal.
The Red Sox have certainly had an offseason to remember, but with a few more key acquisitions, they could further cement their position as one of the most formidable teams in the league this season.