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  • Boston Red Sox Free Agent & Trade Rumors, Notes, & Tidbits

    The latest Boston Red Sox free agent and trade rumors, along with notes and tidbits about the team.
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    Matthew Lenz
    One way or another, and whether it be at this trade deadline or sometime down the road, the San Diego Padres seem adamant to pry Jarren Duran away from the Boston Red Sox.
     
    Earlier today, Sean McAdam of MassLive provided yet another update between the two clubs. The Padres offered the Red Sox a package including SP Dylan Cease, C Ethan Salas and another prospect (not SS Leo de Vries) in exchange for Duran, which was “quickly rejected,” McAdam later adds that while it's likely Duran is eventually traded, it's "unlikely" to happen this summer.
    Would you have taken the deal the Padres offered? Join the conversation in the comments!
    Matthew Lenz
    Ahead of the home half of the fifth inning, the Boston Red Sox replaced infielder Marcelo Mayer with Abraham Toro at third base. 
    Shortly after the move was made, Chris Cotillo of MassLive reported he left Wednesday's game with right wrist discomfort. At this point the severity of the injury is unclear.
    With the Red Sox reportedly being aggressive over the next week, some speculated whether he was possibly traded mid-game. Unfortunately, that's not the case and video from the dugout shows Mayer pointing to his wrist.
    Mayer was called up following Alex Bergman's injury earlier this season. In 43 games this season, he has an OPS of .674 with 4 home runs, 19 runs scored, and 10 runs batted in. He has seen playing time at third base, second base, and shortstop.
    Stay tuned to Talk Sox for updates and reactions!

    Matthew Lenz
    The San Diego Padres plan to be buyers at the deadline in anticipation of a playoff push. They may also be sellers, and the Chicago Cubs could be one of their suitors.
    Buster Olney of ESPN is reporting that San Diego Padres starting pitcher Dylan Cease is available at the trade deadline, and that "AL East" teams have discussed the 30-year-old free agent-to-be.
    Across 20 starts and 108.2 innings pitched, Cease's. ERA currently stands at 4.64, which is more than a full run higher than his FIP, suggesting he's experienced some bad luck or been hurt by his defense. Cease continues to be a high-strikeout pitcher, with a K% of 30.0% and a BB% of 8.4%, translating to an impressive K-BB% of 21.6%. He will be a free agent at the end of the season with incredible upside, despite his underperforming surface stats. Given the shallow starter's market and the numerous teams seeking rotation help, his cost will be substantial. Any team acquiring the right-hander will likely need to overpay to acquire him. Moreover, given the Padres' position in the playoff picture, they are likely looking for a combination of MLB-ready and prospect pieces.
    Should the Boston Red Sox do what it takes to acquire Dylan cease? Join the conversation in the comments!

    Matthew Lenz
    With a few different potential needs at the upcoming deadline, the Boston Red Sox have pinpointed their primary target over the next eight days.
    Mark Feinsand of MLB.com is reporting that the Boston Red Sox are prioritizing starting pitching to pair with Garrett Crochet.
    Many names have been floated around, such as Pittsburgh Pirates' Mitch Keller, Miami Marlins' Edward Cabrera and Sandy Alcantara, and the Arizona Diamondbacks' Zac Gallen. They've also been rumored to be very interested in Minnesota Twins starter Joe Ryan, though the Twins are reportedly not looking to move the All-Star unless they are blown away by an offer.
    Do you think the Red Sox are targeting the biggest area of need? Of the starters available, who peaks your interest the most? Join the conversation in the comments!
    Nick John
    Tanner Houck’s season is now in jeopardy after being shut down indefinitely following a lengthy rehab assignment, according to Tim Healey of the Boston Globe. Originally placed on the injured list back in Mid-May due to a right flexor pronator strain, Houck began his rehab on June 18th in Worcester and appeared in five games between Worcester and Portland.
    Now it appears that his flexor soreness has returned, leaving his season status uncertain. While surgery has been ruled out at the moment, the team is unsure of what to do next.
    “We gotta go to step one, I guess,” Alex Cora said when asked about Houck’s status for the remainder of the season.
    Houck’s rehab assignment had concluded, and the team was required to either activate him and add him to the major league roster or option him to Triple-A Worcester. Instead, he will remain on the injured list as he attempts to work his way back once more.
    The potential loss of Houck for the season could force the Red Sox to up their efforts in trading for a starter leading up to the trade deadline, especially with fellow starter Hunter Dobbins out for the remainder of the year.
    Do you think Houck will make it back before the end of the year? Might surgery be the best option and have him come back at 100% next season? Does his setback make acquiring a starter the team's top priority? Leave your thoughts below down in the comments.
    Matthew Lenz
    The Boston Red Sox are going to be buyers at the deadline and have multiple areas to improve on their roster.
    Robert Murray of FanSided discussed what he's hearing regarding the Boston Red Sox and the upcoming trade deadline on his The Baseball Insiders live stream. In short, the team will be "quite busy".
    Murray notes that the Red Sox will realistically pursue a starting pitcher at the deadline. Many names have been floated around, such as Pittsburgh Pirates' Mitch Keller, Miami Marlins' Edward Cabrera and Sandy Alcantara, and the Arizona Diamondbacks' Zac Gallen. They've also been rumored to be very interested in Minnesota Twins starter Joe Ryan, though the Twins are reportedly not looking to move the All-Star.
    Moreover, Murray goes on to list names like the Dbacks Josh Naylor and Baltimore Oriole's Ryan O'Hearn as potential stop-gaps at first base. A position that has been a game of musical chairs since the season ending knee injury of Tristan Casas.
    All reports suggest the Red Sox will be aggressive at the deadline, with rumors that they're even willing to trade Jarren Duran. Do you think they should go all-in considering how the season has played out thus far? Let us know in the comments!

    Alex Mayes
    Jim Bowden of The Athletic published a piece on what he's hearing with ten days until the trade deadline. In it, he noted that the Red Sox are still discussing Jarren Duran with other teams, but they don't feel as though they have to trade him. He further notes that the Padres and Phillies have been connected to Duran, and the front office would like to receive a starting pitcher or a first baseman in return, if the deal is right. Like has been mentioned before, the Padres don't match up well with the Red Sox unless the Sox were willing to take back an expiring contract like Michael King, Dylan Cease, or if a third team were to get involved—Bowden mentions the Marlins and Edward Cabrera—then it's possible a deal could get done. 
    What may command more attention than the trade rumor though, is that the team feels that their best outfield lineup is Wilyer Abreu in right, Ceddanne Rafaela in center, and Roman Anthony in left. In the long-term, this is the strongest outfield the team can run out on a nightly basis as it is centered on young talent with high ceilings. Duran's future in Boston is even cloudier as he's 28 years old and not viewed as a full-time DH candidate. 
    What do you think? Should Duran be the odd man out in the outfield if the Sox do decide to trade away pieces from the major league roster? Sound off in the comments below!
    Nick John
    As the trade deadline quickly approaches, the Red Sox are being considered among the buyers in Major League Baseball. As the club looks to upgrade specific positions, ESPN’s Jeff Passan has released his Top 50 trade deadline candidates, and the Red Sox are being considered a “best fit” for several players. Both rental and long-term assets are being considered, as the list contains exciting names.
    Among the rentals that Boston is considered as a potential “best fit” are first basemen Ryan O’Hearn and Josh Naylor and pitcher Merrill Kelly. Those three players would likely cost less than the others on the list due to their impending free agency.
    Those who would be under contract for more than the remainder of this season include pitchers Sandy Alcantara, Kris Bubic, Mitch Keller, Taj Bradley, and Edward Cabrera. OF this group, Alcantara and Bubic could become free agents after next season. Alcantara also has a $21 million team option for the 2027 season but can be bought out for $2 million.
    Both Cabrera and Keller would be under team control through the 2028 season, the former through arbitration and the latter having signed an extension with the Pittsburgh Pirates through the 2028 season.
    Of the batch, Bradley may be the most expensive. Not arbitration eligible until after the 2026 season. If traded for Bradley would come back to Boston with four more years of control.
    What do you think? Of the players listed, who do you want the most? Or are you not interested in any of them? Leave your thoughts below in the comments.
    Alex Mayes
    As the Red Sox are firmly entrenched in one of the toughest parts of their schedule, they are keeping an eye on some big name starting pitchers who could be available as the trade deadline approaches. It couldn't come at a better time with both Lucas Giolito and Brayan Bello turning in less than stellar starts against the Cubs and Tanner Houck being placed back on the injured list instead of being activated. 
    According to Bob Nightengale, the Red Sox have sent scouts to Arizona to watch starters Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly.
    Both starters would surely help bolster a starting rotation that can struggle behind Garrett Crochet at times. Craig Breslow has stated that he prefers controllable starters at the deadline while both Gallen and Kelly are free agents at the conclusion of the season but if the team is in 'win now' mode then either option makes sense even on a rental deal. Gallen is having a down year with a 5.40 ERA. Kelly looks a bit more stable with a 3.34 ERA but he is in his age 36 season. 
    What do you think? Should the Red Sox be interested in acquiring either Zac Gallen or Merrill Kelly? Sound off in the comments below!
    Finley Rogan
    The Red Sox selected Christian Foutch, a pitcher from Arkansas, 148th overall in the fifth round of the draft. Foutch was ranked 231st overall by MLB Pipeline. Foutch originally comes from Colorado, and was the top ranked pitcher in the state in 2022.
    Foutch came out of the bullpen at Arkansas, and he finished his collegiate career with 3.81 ERA. His two best pitches are his fastball and his splitter. The fastball topped out at 100 mph this season, and is his highest graded pitch from scouts. 
    Foutch has a high ceiling, as he can generate a ton of whiffs with his plus stuff. However, he never showed great command in college, and that will be his biggest flaw as a prospect. Pipeline also notes that Foutch saw his role stray away from high-leverage situations as the season went on in 2025. The Red Sox clearly believe they can help modify his mechanics and improve his command, and that will be necessary for Foutch to ever pitch at the highest level. The pick carries a slot value of $479,000.
    What do you think of the Red Sox's decision to draft Foutch?
    Finley Rogan
    The Red Sox got their second day of the MLB Draft started by selecting Mason White, a shortstop from the University of Arizona. White was the 118th selection, and was ranked 143rd on MLB Pipeline's draft board. 
    White grades out as a well-rounded prospect with a powerful swing from the left side of the plate. He finished this season hitting .327 with 20 homers. His power is his calling card, but Pipeline also notes that some scouts are worried about his long-term ability to avoid strikeouts, as his long swing comes with a ton of whiffs.
    He may stick at shortstop, but White can play across the infield as well. He played some third and second throughout college, so it will be interesting to see where the Red Sox want to develop his defense. He is an average runner, so if they move him to the outfield, it will likely be into one of the corners.
    Overall, White presents a fun profile with bat speed and big-time power. If he can develop a better approach and cut down on his whiff rate, he has a chance of accelerating through the team's farm system.
    What do you think of the team's pick? Let us know in the comments!
    Matthew Lenz
    Before the Boston Red Sox series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays, Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora sat down with a pool of reporters.
    Christopher Smith of MassLive is reporting that "[Ceddanne] Rafaela [will] make an occasional start at second base", per Cora.
    However, he also reported that Marcelo Mayer will stay in the majors and "play a lot of second base." 
    Rafaela has shown a notable offensive improvement this season, evidenced by a .268 batting average, 12 home runs, and a .779 OPS as of July 11. He has also contributed 12 stolen bases. Defensively, Rafaela has maintained his versatility, primarily playing center field, showcasing strong defensive metrics and a significant defensive WAR (3.8).
    Mayer, in his MLB debut season, has displayed mixed results offensively. With a .231 batting average, 4 home runs, and a .684 OPS in 36 games, his offensive performance has been modest. He has primarily played third base and shortstop. 
    Do you agree with the decision to keep Mayer in the big-leagues and to take Rafaella out of centerfield from time to time? Join the conversation in the comments!
    Matthew Lenz
    Rumors have been swirling the Boston Red Sox over the last few weeks. Some of the rumors had them as buyers and some of the rumors identified suitors if they were sellers.
    Alas, we've heard from the man himself what the plans at the deadline will be. In a sit down with Chris Cotillo of MassLive, Boston Red Sox chief baseball operator, Craig Breslow, stated "We want to improve the team. We want to find ways to bolster the group."
    In the article Breslow specifically discusses the preference to add a 1st basemen and/or to his pitching staff - considering both relievers and starters.
    Boston has been without Triston Casas for a majority of the season. In his absence, Abraham Toro and Romy Gonzalez have put up middling numbers at the plate.
    On the other side of the ball, the Red Sox starting rotation has dealt with a myriad of injuries. There is a lot of uncertainty on whether those injured arms can impact the second half of the season. However, the bullpen has been one of the best in the league. While it may seem like a low priority, the importance of a deep bullpen is magnified in October - especially with so many questions surrounding the rotation.
    What should Breslow and the Red Sox prioritize at the deadline? Join the conversation in the comments!

    Nick John
    With the Red Sox beginning to get back to full health with the additions of Masataka Yoshida and Alex Bregman, the roster is beginning to feel overcrowded. To help deal with it, the versatility of many players will be important down the stretch to not just give some players rest but to also get others into the lineup outside of their main position.
    Per MassLive’s Chris Cotillo, Alex Cora said on Friday before game two of a four game series against the Tampa Bay Rays that rookie Marcelo Mayer will play a lot of games at second base while still getting some time at third base on days Bregman doesn’t play. If Bregman sticks to the current plan, he will play in two games in each of the next three series against Tampa Bay, the Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies.
    Ceddanne Rafaela is another player who will be moved around with the roster currently having six outfielders on it. Cora also said that Rafaela will be looked at to play second base at least once or twice a week.
    The Red Sox look to end the first half on an impressive run as they go for their eighth straight win tonight. Does the plan to rotate Mayer between second and third seem like a good one? Should Rafaela remain in center field only? Leave your thoughts down below.
    Matthew Lenz
    We don't know if the Red Sox will be buyers or sellers at the deadline, and it likely will depend on their performance over the next couple of weeks after the returns of Masataka Yoshida and Alex Bregman from injury.
    If they do decide to sell, it appears the San Diego Padres will be after one of their highest priced assets. Sean McAdam of MassLive is reporting that the San Diego Padres have been "relentless in their pursuit of the Boston Red Sox Jarren Duran.
    Duran, controlled through 2028, has put together a solid 2025 campaign for the Red Sox. In 94 games. He boasts a .752 OPS, supported by a .260 batting average and a .318 on-base percentage, including 8 home runs and 15 stolen bases. It's been a different story on the defensive side of the ball.
    Primarily playing left field, his defensive metrics show a Fielding Run Value of -5 and Outs Above Average of -5. Regardless, he'll fetch a good return if he is dealt.

    If they're sellers, should the Red Sox deal Duran or keep him part of a core who could help get the team back on track over the next few years? Join the conversation in the comments!

    Matthew Lenz
    The Red Sox are getting healthy at just the right time. Yesterday, Mastaka Yoshida made his season debut going 3-4 with a double, RBI, and run scored.
    Now, Chris Cotillo of MassLive is reporting that the Boston Red Sox will activate third baseman Alex Bregman ahead of Friday's series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays.
    In his first season with the club, Bregman has lived up to his superstar label. Through 51 games, he boasts an impressive .938 OPS, fueled by a .385 on-base percentage and a .553 slugging percentage. He has hit 11 home runs and driven in 35 runs, while also scoring 32 runs. 
    It's just the push the Red Sox may need to become buyers at the upcoming deadline. For what it's worth, Jim Bowden of The Athletic recently reported that the Red Sox might look to move the gold glove third baseman if the team cannot reach an extension ahead of the trade deadline.
    Do you think Yoshida and Bregman will boost the club into buyer mode over the next couple of weeks? Join the conversation in the comments!
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