Could the Boston Red Sox pull off another major trade for a starting pitcher this offseason?
While Garrett Crochet was a significant early acquisition for the Red Sox, fans are eagerly anticipating additional moves, particularly for a starting pitcher to help bolster their rotation. With a young and promising team, Boston has the potential to contend in a competitive American League, but the team’s pitching staff needs improvement to match the high turnover in their roster.
Dylan Cease, the ace for the San Diego Padres, has been a subject of trade rumors this offseason, as the Padres are looking to shed payroll, and Cease is entering the final year of his contract. The 28-year-old right-hander has finished in the top five of Cy Young voting in two of the last three seasons, establishing himself as a top-tier pitcher.
Earlier this month, Derek Togerson from NBC San Diego proposed an ambitious trade, suggesting that Cease, along with infielder Jake Cronenworth, could be sent to the Red Sox in exchange for outfielder Wilyer Abreu, first baseman Triston Casas, and shortstop prospect Marcelo Mayer. Togerson noted that with the potential departure of outfielder Jurickson Profar, the Padres would need an outfield replacement, and he sees this trade as a win-win for both teams. He also pointed out that Cease’s upcoming arbitration price of around $14 million makes him a valuable asset worth a significant return.
While the idea of trading for Cease makes sense, given his youth, swing-and-miss ability, and potential for an extension, the trade proposal is unrealistic. The Red Sox are unlikely to part with all three of their key young assets—Casas, Abreu, and Mayer—especially for a one-year rental like Cease. While it’s true that giving up one of these players could be necessary to secure Cease, the prospect of trading all three is far too steep for Boston.
The Red Sox are likely considering a trade for Cease, but parting with multiple top prospects for a short-term pitching solution would not be a smart move. Given the talent and potential of their young roster, the Red Sox should look for a more balanced trade that doesn’t sacrifice too much of their future.
