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    Trade and free agent rumors posted here.

    102 rumors in this category

      Matthew Lenz

       

      The Boston Red Sox are in the midst of an impressive win streak as they sprint their way back into the playoff picture. With less than two weeks until deadline day, the Red Sox are now looking like bona fide buyers to continue their impressive run.

      Jeff Passan of ESPN listed the top 100 trade candidates, which included New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor. Coming in as the 12th best trade candidate, he listed the Red Sox (along with three others, including two AL East foes) as a "best fit" for the four-time Silver Slugger.

      Lindor, 32, is in the midst of a career-worst season that has been highlighted by a left calf injury that saw him miss two months. When he has been available, he's slashed a paltry .220/.303/.387 (.691 OPS) with just six home runs and two stolen bases. While those numbers are well below his standard and the $32 million salary he's earning, they are only slightly below league average at a 94 wRC+. On the other side of the ball, the two-time Gold Glove winner is still playing a very good shortstop despite the struggles at the plate.

      Lindor has a no-trade clause that would need to be waived and is under contract through 2031, when he would be 37 years old. Passan points out that "in the past 20 years, only twice has a shortstop 35 or older put up a three-win season.

      Do you think the Red Sox should trade for Lindor in hopes of a bounce-back? Join the conversation in the comments!

       

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      It is no secret that the Boston Red Sox, suddenly a contender with their 14-game winning streak entering play Tuesday, would love to upgrade the catching position.

      So how about snatching one from a fellow AL East team?

      One catcher out on the market, per ESPN's Jeff Passan, is Baltimore Orioles backstop Adley Rutschman. Once the darling of the Orioles' rebuild, Rutschman hasn't been the superstar they envisioned. Passan noted the Red Sox were one of the teams that would be a good fit for Rutschman.

      A switch-hitter, Rutschman has a career slash line of .254/.342/.414. He hit 20 and 19 homers in his second and third seasons in the majors, while drawing AL MVP votes in 2022, when he finished second in AL Rookie of the Year balloting, and 2023.

      But injuries in each of the last two seasons have slowed his production. In 90 games last year, Rutschman slashed .220/.307/.366 with nine homers and 29 RBIs. He has followed that up with a .251/.331/.433 with eight homers and 47 RBIs in 67 games this year before hitting the injured list for the third time this season Monday, this one for inflammation in his left wrist. Still, he represented the Orioles in last week's All-Star Game.

      That injury will keep him out until at least the weekend of the trade deadline, which is Aug. 3. The Orioles have struggled last year and this year and with Samuel Bassallo in the fold long term after signing an extension this year, making Rutschman not as valuable as he once was.

      Still an elite defender, Rutschman is also under club control through the 2027 season, so the Orioles won't be looking to dump him for just anything.

      And especially if the Red Sox come calling, the Orioles will make sure to extract a good price for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft.

      He would certainly be an upgrade over Carlos Narvaez and Connor Wong, the Red Sox's current catching tandem.

       

      Matthew Lenz

       

      The Boston Red Sox are 9-2 over their last 11 games and one of the hottest teams in all of baseball. While their season ebbs and flows with their offense, it's their pitching groups that are likely to receive most of the attention at the upcoming deadline.

      Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic is reporting that several teams are interested in Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Sonny Gray.

      Gray has long been one of the best non-ace starting pitchers in Major League Baseball, and is on his way to a career year at 36. Through 16 starts, the bulldog has pitched to a 2.61 ERA, though a 3.61 FIP suggests some regression may be in his future, and a 16.4% K-BB rate. In short, he's been one of the few bright spots for a team that had high aspirations at the start of the season.

      Under normal circumstances, he would fetch a healthy return in any trade; the impending lockout in his age-37 season, along with a mutual option for 2027, is anything but "normal". Ultimately, the right-hander could end up being a rental rather than a piece a team can count on for this season and next. Obviously, this will have an impact on the return the Red Sox can get on the trade market.

      The Red Sox are very much in the playoff race. Do you think they should trade Gray? Let us know in the comments!

       

      Matthew Lenz

      The Boston Red Sox are in the midst of another disappointing season, yet find themselves only four games out of the American League's final wild card spot. Whether they buy, sell, or stand pat at the deadline remains to be seen, but there will be a market for some of their players.

      Jarren Duran is one of those players, and Chandler Rome of The Athletic is reporting that the "[Houston] Astros focus at the trade deadline is a left-handed hitting outfielder." If the Red Sox don't find any prospects that strike their fancy, the Astros do have more left-handed relievers than one bullpen realistically needs. This could allow the Red Sox to deal from the Major League roster while also bolstering another position group, especially if they decide to move Aroldis Chapman. However, even if they were to move Chapman, their bullpen isn't necessarily in need of more southpaws.

      Like much of the Red Sox offense, Duran has struggled this year, slashing .201/.261/.364 this year with 13 home runs and 14 stolen bases across 82 games. He has two more years of team control.

       

      Do you think the Red Sox should trade Duran? Join the conversation in the comments!

       

      Brandon Glick

      According to multiple sources with ties to the Boston Red Sox, the Pittsburgh Pirates have submitted an offer for "multiple MLB players" on the roster.

      Garrett Whitlock is a confirmed part of the Pirates' offer. There are no indications as to their other request(s), though their need for bullpen help suggests perhaps another reliever, such as Aroldis Chapman or Justin Slaten, would be sensible. They have the fourth-ranked scoring offense in baseball, so it's unlikely that they'd seek one of the hitters from the Sox's moribund lineup.

      No indications have been given as to their proposed return, though I've corroborated with multiple sources that Jared Jones and Bubba Chandler are not part of the deal. It hardly goes without saying, but any dreams about Paul Skenes coming over are also unrealistic.

      At this time, no deal is reportedly close to completion. The front office almost certainly will hold out hope that they can keep their sinking ship buoyant before agreeing to a sell-off, and their pre-All-Star-Break stretch against the Angels, White Sox, and Mets has given them the perfect chance to get back on track before the second half.

      Matthew Lenz

      Yesterday, it was rumored that the Boston Red Sox were looking for a right-handed bat to improve their lineup. It seems that one of the players they may look to move to make this happen could be backstop Connor Wong.

      Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic is reporting that the Red Sox are "shopping" Wong, who has some depth at catcher with Carlos Narvaez and Mickey Gasper also on the 40-man roster.

      Wong has been solid, yet unspectacular this year, slashing .247/.305/.377 this year with 0 home runs and a stolen base. While those numbers are roughly league average (99 wRC+), the lack of power (.111 ISO) really mitigates any impact in the lineup. Moreover, he profiles has a below average (or worse) catcher behind the plate and it really makes you wonder what kind of value Wong has on the market. However, a team doesn't have to look back more than a couple of years to his 2024 breakout to see some potential in a guy who has two years of team control beyond 2026. 

      It's also worth noting that McCaffrey says the Red Sox have received calls on some bullpen arms: Aroldis Chapman, Garrett Whitlock, and Justin Slaten. However, she reports that they currently have "no interest in dealing anyone from that bullpen trio." In other words, it's too early to label yourself a seller (and the Red Sox are very much in the Wild Card race).

      Do you think the Red Sox can get anything for Connor Wong? Join the conversation in the comments!

      Matthew Lenz

      Despite being nine games under .500, the Boston Red Sox are looking to improve their lineup for a second-half push to the postseason. Although they currently sit 11 games out of the division lead, they are just 3.5 games out of a playoff spot in the Wild Card race.

      Buster Olney of ESPN is reporting that the Red Sox "are looking to add a right-handed bat and willing to spend money to do it."

      The Red Sox have had one of the worst lineups this year in large part due to some of their right-handed bats, such as Caleb Durbin, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Connor Wong (albeit the sample is small), and Trevor Story. Of course, it's not likely that they will find a solution to their woes at this juncture in the season. The hot stove has its pilot light on, but it has yet to ignite. Moreover, since the Wild Card expanded to three teams, it takes longer for teams to determine their path and buyers and sellers, and there are typically fewer teams willing to sell.

      Who do you think the Red Sox should pursue? Join the conversation in the comments!

      Matthew Lenz

      Before acquiring Caleb Durbin, Andruw Monasterio, Anthony Seigler, and a comp B pick, the Boston Red Sox had their sights set on a different player to fill their infield needs.

      Sean McAdam of MassLive wrote the following: "With Marte off the market, the Red Sox, according to an industry source, took several tries at obtaining Zach Neto from the Los Angeles Angels". He added that "Neto could have moved [off shortstop] to either second or third for the time being until Trevor Story’s deal was up." However, the Halos "set a very high bar" to acquire Neto.

      Neto, 25, played 128 games in 2025, carrying a .793 OPS with 26 home runs and swiping 26 bags. In two plus years in the big leagues, Neto has now posted a 115 wRC+ or better in back-to-back seasons. However, his -6 Outs Above Average indicates that shortstop may not be his best position long term, but that the hot corner or keystone, in fact, are better defensive spots for the righty. 

      Do you think the Red Sox made the right move in acquiring Durbin instead of giving up what it took for Neto? Let us know in the comments!

      Matthew Lenz

      Following the trade that netted them Caleb Durban and three other assets, the Boston Red Sox reportedly are not done, making moves that could impact the opening day roster. Most notably, having dealt away from their big league pitching staff, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow is looking to reinforce one area of that pitching staff.

      Tim Healey of the Boston Globe is reporting that  Breslow is "continuing to look" at bullpen additions. He adds that they could still dig into their starting pitcher surplus to fill that need.

      Bolstering the bullpen has been a secondary goal of the front office all offseason, and they prioritized chasing middle-of-the-order bats and players who could fill the void at third base. Following the acquisition of Caleb Durbin, they can now hone in on improving their group of relievers. Check out Alex Mays' article on how they could accomplish that via a trade. Otherwise, the free agent market is filled with names that have a track record of being solid but may be past those years, such as a David Robertson or Rafael Montero.

      The most realistic outcome feels like an internal move that sees a starting pitcher transition into a relief role. Whether that would mean an experienced starter like Brayan Bello, or Johan Oviedo, or possibly a high-ceiling prospect like Payton Tolle or Connelly Early remains to be seen.

      How do you think the Boston Red Sox should improve their bullpen internally, in a trade, or via free agency? Let us know in the comments!

      Matthew Lenz

      Another day, another Boston Red Sox trade talks rumor. This time it involves the Houston Astros, who've they've previously discussed a trade with around third baseman Isaac Paredes. Well, he is still the primary target for the Red Sox; it appears the initial talks of Houston receiving a starting pitcher have shifted to an outfielder.

      Matt Couture of the Raise the Banner podcast is reporting that "talks continue" between the two teams and adds that outfielder Jarren Duran is the focal point for the Astros. Couture previously said to "keep an eye out" for a deal involving starting pitcher Brayan Bello. 

      Separately, Chandler Rome, who covers the Astros for The Athletic, said that there is "nothing close at this time" and that "Wilyer Abreu intrigues them maybe a little bit more than Duran." You might recall the Astros traded Abreu to the Red Sox at the 2022 trade deadline for catcher Christian Vazquez.

      Drop your hypothetical trade packages in the comments!

      Matthew Lenz

      The Boston Red Sox have fortified their rotation, but still have needs on the offensive side of the ball. While their primary need is for a third base, a recent report suggests they are also looking to improve elsewhere.

      Sean McAdam of MassLive is reporting that the Boston Red Sox "Remain Active" in the catcher market. They previously had been tied to J.T. Realmuto and Victor Caratini, but they have signed with the Philadelphia Phillies and Minnesota Twins, respectively.

      Had they landed Realmuto, then incumbent backstop Carlos Narvaez likely would have moved to a backup role. On the other hand, a Caratini signing likely would have kept him in a starting role. With both guys off the market, the remaining catchers in free agency are not overly attractive options.

      Turning our sights to the trade market, there haven't been reports of available catchers; however, there is a lot of speculation that the Twins may shop Ryan Jeffers. Jeffers, 29, is in his final year of arbitration and will be a free agent following the 2026 season. He's a bat-first catcher who has a career .740 OPS (108 wRC+) and 68 home runs across 515 games. In 2025, he shifted his approach at the plate, sacrificing power for plate discipline and contact. Behind the dish, three years of mentorship from Cristian Vazquez didn't seem to impact his defensive acumen. He's a well below-average defensive catcher.

      If they do look to trade for a catcher (or a third baseman), Ed Hand of Beyond the Monster is reporting that Connelly Early and Payton Tolle would not be made available unless "the return is something truly elite." That leaves the logjam in the outfield or a big league starter like Brayan Bello as potential routes to acquiring a backstop to pair with Narvaez.

      Who do you think the Red Sox should target? Let us know in the comments!

      Alex Mayes

      Reportedly, the Red Sox and Astros are involved in discussions centered around Isaac Paredes in recent days. According to Matt Couture on Twitter.

      The Astros are intrigued by both Brayan Bello and Jarren Duran, both names that have been floated in countless trade rumors since the beginning of the offseason. For a deal of that magnitude, though, the Red Sox are looking for more in return than just a two-for-one swap. 

      Paredes makes a lot of sense as a target for the Sox and would fill a couple of different holes for the team. He’s a right-handed hitter and can play both third and second base. Either position needs to be addressed before spring training begins so Marcelo Mayer can begin working full-time at the other spot in the infield. It’s worth wondering who else the Red Sox may be targeting from the Astros to help facilitate a deal involving both Duran and Bello.

      What do you think? Should the Red Sox swing for a potential blockbuster deal by including Brayan Bello and Jarren Duran for a return headlined by Isaac Paredes? Sound off in the comments below!

      Matthew Lenz

      The Boston Red Sox have had an eventful and mostly successful offseason. While it's easy to focus on the whiff on Alex Bregman, the Red Sox have been able to significantly improve their rotation and add Willson Contreras to their roster. On Friday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic provided an update on a player who's been involved in trade rumors for months.

      Rosenthal of The Athletic is reporting that the Kansas City Royals are "unlikely to land" Jarren Duran. For a long time, the Royals and Red Sox seemed destined to make a deal, as one side had pitching to offer and the other needed pitching. However, this recent update suggests the Royals are satisfied, rolling with the options they currently have on their roster.

      This is all not to say that the Red Sox still won't try to move Duran, as they still have a traffic jam in the outfield with Masataka Yoshida, Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Wilyer Abreu, along with Duran. That's five guys for three outfield spots and a DH. All the while, the Red Sox are still looking for help in the infield - specifically, third base.

      While most of the rumors had the targeting pitching in a trade, they may need to shift their sights to players who can play on the dirt.

      Of the five options, who do you think the Red Sox should try to move? Let us know in the comments!

      Matthew Lenz

       

      After missing out on Alex Bregman and landing Ranger Suarez, the Boston Red Sox are still looking to fill the hot corner with a bat. However, it doesn't appear reinforcements will come via two names they've been tied to for months.

      Alex Speier of the Boston Globe is reporting that the Red Sox are "unlikely suitors" for Bob Bichette and that the door on Ketel Marte is "firmly shut."

      If the Red Sox are going to add an impact bat that can handle the hot corner, then Eugenio Suarez is really the only player to fit that description on the market. Otherwise, they've been tied to Isaac Paredes of the Houston Astros or could look to the Chicago Cubs, who might move one of Matt Shaw or Nico Hoerner after landing Bregman. Other names on the market with less oomph include Yoan Moncada and Isiah Kiner-Falefa.

       

      Who do you think the Red Sox should add? Let us know in the comments!

      Matthew Lenz

      With Alex Bregman in the rearview mirror, the Boston Red Sox are forced to move to Plan B to fill the gap at third base. While many expect the club to prioritize Bo Bichette, he does not represent the only middle of the order hot corner bat on the market.

      Chris Cotillo and Sean McAdam of MassLive I reporting that the Boston Red Sox "like" free agent third baseman Eugenio Suarez. They add that it will be sooner rather than later for Suarez to find out if they will become serious bitters for his services.

      While Suarez is not as attractive of an option as Bregman or Bichette, however, Suarez provides legitimate 40+ home run potential. Something that can't be said for either of the other two free agents, they've been tied to. Of course, the biggest risk with Suarez is his strikeout rate that was approaching 30% in 2025 and his glove leaves a lot to be desired.

      Do you think the Red Sox should pursue Suarez, prioritize Bichette, or set their eyes on the pitching staff? Let us know in the comments!

      Nick John

      The Boston Red Sox have yet to sign a free agent to a major-league contract this offseason, but at least the team has remained engaged with several free agents. Currently,the team has a lack of left-handed relief options and with that in mind, the Red Sox have been linked to options such as Danny Coulombe, Tim Mayza, and Cionel Pérez as reported by MassLive's Chris Cotillo.

      The Red Sox currently have nine left-handed pitchers on the 40-man roster, but of them only three are currently viewed as relief options, and one is closer Aroldis Chapman. With just Jovani Morán and Tyler Samaniego as potential left-handed relievers for 2026 following the trades of Chris Murphy and Brennan Bernardino, it is only natural the team is looking to improve its reliever situation.

      Of the three relievers the team has been linked to, Coulombe is the most attractive option despite a late-season meltdown with the Texas Rangers. Coulombe split the 2025 season between Minnesota and Texas, appearing in 55 games and tossing 43 innings as he finished with a 2.30 ERA. To finish the season, Coulombe pitched in 15 games for Texas after being traded, but struggled as he walked nine batters in 12 innings while allowing three home runs. Should Coulombe pitch closer to how he did in Minnesota (and with Baltimore in 2023 and 2024: he struck out 90 batters in 81 innings while walking just 17) he would slot in immediately as a high-leverage weapon out of the bullpen.

      Both Mayza and Pérez had less successful seasons in 2025. Mayza pitched in just 15 games split between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, tossing 16 2/3 innings and striking out 15 batters. The lack of appearances was due to a lat strain that cost him a good portion of the season. While healthy, he had an 87th percentile extension at 6.9 feet, a trait that the Red Sox have been interested in the past couple seasons. He also is a ground ball pitcher and could do well if the Sox continue to improve their infield defense.

      Pérez struggled in 2025, appearing in 19 games with Baltimore while tossing 21 2/3 innings. In that span, he struggled with his command, allowing 18 walks. Pérez was designated for assignment in late May and spent the rest of the season with Triple-A Norfolk where his struggles continued. In 22 1/3 innings, he walked 19 batters and finished with a 6.85 ERA. While he had a 16.4% walk rate with Baltimore, he did manage to limit barrels as batters only barreled up his pitches 2.9% of the time. He also managed to get groundballs 60.9% of the time, something that could play well when paired with the Red Sox's infield.

      Alex Mayes

      The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey has verified that the Boston Red Sox have a contract offer on the table for Alex Bregman.

      She has reached out to the source that spoke to ESPN’s Buster Olney last week and confirmed that the offer is indeed “aggressive”. The full details of the offer are unknown at this point, and aggressive likely means different things to all parties involved. What this does show is that the Red Sox are still actively trying to improve the team and have at least some amount of comfort with handing out multi-year offers to free agents.

      The ball is in Bregman’s court, though, as the Red Sox are far from the only team currently vying for his services. Speculation all offseason has had him returning to Boston, but it’s far from a sure thing, even with this offer in hand. Bregman is represented by mega-agent Scott Boras, so this offer is likely being used to leverage other teams while attempting to gauge if this is actually the best offer Boston will make.

      Until we know more, we’re all playing the waiting game together.

      Alex Mayes

      According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the Red Sox have made an “aggressive” offer for free agent third baseman Alex Bregman. 

      While there’s little detail as to what this “aggressive” offer is for Bregman, it’s encouraging to see that the Red Sox are still engaged with the free agent. Over the last 48 hours, reports have started circulating that both the Diamondbacks and Blue Jays are “serious” about landing the third baseman, but that the Red Sox were still involved with him. Obviously, until pen is put to paper, there is no deal between the two sides yet, but if the Red Sox are willing to get aggressive with their offer, then it stands to reason Bregman may end up back in Boston for the next few years. 

      Alex Bregman had a successful, but injury-shortened, first year in Boston in 2025. He slashed .273/.360/.462 in 114 games last season while hitting 17 home runs and posting a 125 wRC+ and a 3.5 fWAR.

      Bringing Alex Bregman back would solidify the left side of the infield again and allow top prospect Marcelo Mayer to begin taking reps at second base, where he would slot into the lineup if Bregman returns. Keeping Bregman in the fold allows a clubhouse leader to stick around and mentor a very young core as they strive to return to the playoffs in 2026. 

      Matthew Lenz

      At this point, it seems like just a matter of time until the Boston Red Sox and Kansas City Royals come to an agreement on a deal headlined by outfielder Jarren Duran.

      And the latest update on the saga, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic is reporting that the Kansas City Royals are still interested in Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran … if they lower the asking price. Rosenthal goes on to say, "The Royals are under the impression Duran would cost them left-hander Cole Ragans, though the Red Sox view the initial talks as more informal and exploratory."

      The inclusion of Ragans seems to be what is holding up the two sides from coming to an agreement. While both players are controllable through 2028, Ragans is considerably cheaper and is at a more premium position. Additionally, Rosenthal shares that the Royals generally believe he is more valuable… a game one starter in a hypothetical postseason game.

      Our sister site, Royals Keep, shared potential matchups in a trade for Jarren Duran, Click here to read our in-depth piece on scenarios.

      Do you think the Red Sox should drop their asking price to move Duran? Or up the offer to ensure they land Ragans? Let us know in the comments!

      Brock Beauchamp

      The MLB Winter Meetings have concluded, and the Red Sox appear serious about adding offense in 2026. According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive, the Cardinals' Willson Contreras has become their most recent trade target.

      Contreras turns 34 early in the 2026 season. He signed a five-year deal with St. Louis that runs through 2027, so he remains under contract for 2026 and 2027. 

      At the plate in 2024, Contreras logged 663 plate appearances and hit .262/.380/.468 with a .365 wOBA and 141 wRC+. He walked in 12.6% of his plate appearances, struck out 26.8% of the time, and finished at 2.7 fWAR. In 2025, he had 622 plate appearances and hit .257/.344/.447 with a .358 wOBA and 124 wRC+. His BB% was 7.8% with a 25.2% K%, and he produced 2.8 fWAR. 

      Defensively, he caught 431 2/3 innings in 2024. In 2025 at first base, he logged 1011 2/3 innings with -1 Defensive Runs Saved. While he could still technically catch, he's not a volume receiver at this point in his career, and it's possible the Red Sox will not consider him a catcher at all.

      Matthew Lenz

      The Boston Red Sox are reportedly looking to shore up their Keystone by kicking the tires on a three-time National League All-Star second baseman.

      Bob Nightengale of USA Today recently ranked Ketel Marte as the third-best trade candidate on the market. Nightengale identifies pitching as a need for the Arizona Diamondbacks, of which the Red Sox have plenty after acquiring Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals last week. Marte has five years left on a deal he signed last spring, totaling $116.5 million, with $46 million in deferrals.

      Marte, 32, posted a +5 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and a +3 Outs Above Average (OAA) in 2025. Offensively, he scored 87 runs with 28 home runs and four stolen bases. He carried an .893 OPS, .381 wOBA, and a 145 wRC+; he's a plus player on both sides of the ball.

      Do you think the Red Sox should trade for Marte? Let us know in the comments!

      Brock Beauchamp

      The Red Sox are surveying the market for middle-of-the-order help and have been linked to two right-handed sluggers: Pete Alonso and Kazuma Okamoto, and also have interest in Kyle Schwarber and a reunion with Alex Bregman. Both Alonso and Okamoto hit from the right side and would share similar Fenway Park considerations, but their backgrounds and skill sets differ.

      Alonso is a right-handed first baseman who bats and throws right, and will be in his age-31 season in 2026. In 2025, he logged 709 plate appearances with a .272/.347/.524 line, a .252 ISO, and an 8.6% walk rate. Over 2023 and 2024 combined, he produced a 122 wRC+. He has consistent pull rates in the low-40 percent range on balls in the air, making him a good fit for the Green Monster profile that converts deep flies into extra-base hits. His offensive value is concentrated at first base, so any fit with Boston would be almost exclusively as a primary first baseman and designated hitter.

      Kazuma Okamoto is a right-handed hitter with experience at third base, first base, and the outfield; he will be in his age-29 season in 2026.  In 2025, with Yomiuri, he recorded 293 plate appearances, hitting .327 with 15 home runs.  Over 11 NPB seasons, he has 248 career home runs, including six straight seasons with at least 30 homers from 2018–2023. 

      As another right-handed power bat, Okamoto would also work in front of the Green Monster, with Fenway’s doubles-friendly environment potentially interacting with his history of consistent home run power. His positional background at both corner infield spots creates a different roster fit than Alonso, combining right-handed power with some flexibility between third base and first base.

      Schwarber offers a different offensive profile from Alonso and Okamoto, bringing left-handed power to pair with their right-handed bats. A left-handed hitter, Schwarber has primarily played left field and designated hitter, but is exclusively a DH as he enters his age-33 season in 2026. Over 11 MLB seasons, he has logged more than 5,300 plate appearances with a .231/.346/.500 batting line and 300-plus home runs, producing an .846 OPS across that stretch. He cleared 690 plate appearances in both 2024 and 2025 with on-base percentages in the mid-360s and slugging percentages of .500 or better. 

      Brock Beauchamp

      The Red Sox have checked in on free-agent catcher J.T. Realmuto, according to Ken Rosenthal and Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic. Realmuto, entering his age-35 season, just completed his sixth year with Philadelphia and reached the postseason in four straight years as the club’s primary catcher.

      In 2025, Realmuto logged 550 plate appearances over 134 games and hit .257/.315/.384 with 12 home runs and eight stolen bases, producing a .700 OPS and a 91 OPS+.  FanGraphs credited him with a 94 wRC+ and 2.1 WAR. Statcast shows a wOBA of .307 and xwOBA of .316, with a hard-hit rate around 37 percent. On the defensive side, he caught over 1,150 innings in 2025 and remained a high-volume backstop. He posted a 28 percent caught-stealing rate and pop times around 1.86 seconds.

      Boston’s current catching group centers on Carlos Narváez and Connor Wong. Over the 2024–25 seasons combined, Wong has 675 plate appearances and produced a .255/.314/.374 line with a .688 OPS, .119 ISO and 92 wRC+. Narváez’s 2025 defensive metrics included a fielding run value of +5, +4 blocks above average, +2 caught stealing above average, and +3 framing runs, placing him among the more effective defensive catchers by those measures.

      With the emergence of Narváez in 2025, do you think Realmuto is a good addition?

       

      Matthew Lenz

      The Boston Red Sox's 40-man roster is currently full, with the non-tender deadline fast approaching. By Friday, the Red Sox will have to determine whom they will tender and non-tender, the latter of which will open spots on the 40-man roster. With about four days to go until that deadline, one pitcher on the bubble is likely to be kept.

      Chris Cotillo of MassLive reports that the Boston Red Sox are "unlikely" to non-tender starting pitcher Tanner Houck, despite the righty missing all of 2026.

      Houck's 2025 season with the Red Sox consisted of nine starts before he was sidelined with an elbow issue in mid-May. He struggled through 43 2/3 innings with a FIP of 6.16 and a K-BB rate of 7.4%. Houck was placed on the shelf due to a right flexor pronator strain and later required surgery, which is expected to keep him off a major-league mound until 2027. MLBTR projects him to earn $3.95 million via arbitration.

      Do you agree the Red Sox should tender Houck despite his injury? Let us know in the comments!

      Matthew Lenz

      Earlier this week, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said the Boston Red Sox's primary focus was on a front-line number two starter and a middle-of-the-order power bat. However, one report suggests they are interested in a high-end reliever.

      Will Sammon of The Athletic is reporting that the Boston Red Sox are interested in former Milwaukee Brewers and New York Yankees closer Devin Williams.

      Williams struggled through 67 appearances for the Bronx Bombers, logging 62 innings pitched in relief. Though he posted a career-high 4.79 ERA, his 2.68 FIP suggests he was better than the surface stat indicates. On the other hand, his K-BB rate of 25.0%, which would be considered low for most pitchers, was below his career average. If we can point to one thing as the reason for his struggles, it would be his league-worst 55.2% strand rate—a number roughly 20 points below his career norm and typically not predictive from one season to another. MLBTR projects him to net $68 million over four years.

      Do you think the Red Sox should pursue Williams in hopes of a rebound? Let us know in the comments!

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