While much of the conversation surrounding the Boston Red Sox has focused on acquiring a right-handed hitter, there has been little discussion about doing so through a trade, with most attention directed toward free agency. This trend is understandable given that free-agent hitters tend to sign for more reasonable prices compared to pitchers this offseason. However, the Red Sox have yet to sign any position players, let alone a powerful right-handed bat, as the free-agent market continues to thin out. With major names like Alex Bregman and Anthony Santander still on the board but not linked to the team, the Red Sox may need to pivot and explore trade options to fill their need for a right-handed slugger.
One player who stands out as a potential trade target for Boston is Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki. The 30-year-old, who has two years remaining on his five-year, $85 million contract with the Cubs, has proven to be a valuable hitter with a career OPS+ of 128. To acquire Suzuki, the Red Sox would likely need to offer a compelling package of prospects. A possible trade could involve sending shortstop prospect Yoeilin Cespedes (ranked as the Red Sox’s No. 5 prospect) and right-handed pitcher Hunter Dobbins (ranked No. 16) to the Cubs.
Cespedes, a 19-year-old with impressive plate discipline and a diverse skill set, could eventually replace Dansby Swanson at shortstop for Chicago. Dobbins, on the other hand, is nearly ready to make his major league debut in 2025 and has the potential to become a solid back-end starter in the rotation. This package of young talent could entice the Cubs to part with Suzuki.
Suzuki’s power bat would complement the Green Monster at Fenway Park and give the Red Sox a reliable option for left field and designated hitter duties. His ability to hit 30 home runs with a lower strikeout rate than Tyler O’Neill could provide the offensive boost the team is seeking. However, this potential acquisition could also complicate the situation for the Red Sox, as their designated hitter spot is currently occupied by Masataka Yoshida, who, like Suzuki, is a Japanese player signed to a lucrative contract. The Red Sox would have to balance how best to use these two players, which could mean moving one of them to another role or position.
Ultimately, this trade scenario would give both teams something to think about, as the Red Sox would add a proven power hitter, while the Cubs would secure a couple of promising prospects. However, the logistics of such a move and the willingness of both sides to commit to the trade remain uncertain.
