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    Trade and free agent rumors posted here.

    97 rumors in this category

      Matthew Lenz

      Alex Speier of the Boston Globe recently reported that the Red Sox will be aggressive this offseason, quoting Red Sox CEO Sam Kennedy as saying “It’s time to take that next step. It really is time. In their reporting, MLBTR cautiously reminds fans of chairman Tom Werner’s “full throttle” comments ahead of last offseason.

      The Red Sox enter the offseason with promising depth in the farm system, but have holes to fill in their pitching staff as Kenley Jansen, Chris Martin, and Nick Pivetta are set to be free agents. From a starters perspective, this free agent class is headlined by the likes of Corbin Burnes and Blake Snell with other attractive options including Jack Flaherty and Max Fried. The reliever class lacks an elite name like Burnes or Snell, but does include star power with Aroldis Chapman headlining the group followed by a solid group of high leverage arms in Jeff Hoffman and AJ Minter, among others.

      What names and positions would you like to see the Red Sox pursue this offseason?

      Brock Beauchamp

      Roki Sasaki has nudged Juan Soto out of the limelight, at least for a day. The young Japanese phenom announced he will come to Major League Baseball in 2025.

      Sasaki, unlike last year's import Yoshinobu Yamamoto, will post under the minor league rules due to his age and experience in NPB. Remember when Shohei Ohtani came to America to play and all teams were in on him? Same thing here. There will be no $300 million contracts in play as with Yamamoto, meaning most teams should be courting the young right-hander this offseason.

      Sasaki has been simply phenomenal in Japan. He pitched all of the 2024 season as a 22-year-old and only turned 23 this week. In parts of three seasons in NPB, he has a 2.10 ERA and 505 strikeouts in only 394 innings pitched.

      Alex Mayes

      While the Red Sox have been starting to heat up at the plate, the rumor mill is getting hot right along with them. According to G.G. on Twitter, there are roughly 12 teams interested in acquiring Jarren Duran as the trade deadline approaches. He also provides additional information in the tweet.

      While we’ve known that the Padres have been inquiring about Duran, he confirms in the replies that the Twins are also one of the teams that've been interested in the former All-Star MVP. He also notes that he doesn’t expect anything to happen before the draft or All-Star break, but puts the chance that Duran is moved at around 60% while maintaining that nothing is currently close, so there’s no reason to freak out…yet.

      With multiple offers made and rejected in the last 48 hours, it’s worth keeping an eye on as we head into the week. 

      Who do you think is in the mix for Duran? Would you even consider trading him at this point? Sound off in the comments below!

      Brock Beauchamp

      Chris Cotillo of MassLive recently reported that there was friction between the Red Sox and Masataka Yoshida earlier this season over an injured left thumb. The Red Sox put Yoshida on the injured list but after an evaluation, decided surgery was not necessary. Yoshida then proceeded to pursue a second and then third opinion on the matter, which apparently rubbed team officials the wrong way. 

      Yoshida has been a capable hitter in the majors, though with very little power. He has a career 111 OPS+ (11% above league average with the stick) but hits left-handed while the Red Sox believe they need to become more right-handed this offseason. Additionally, Yoshida has not shown to be a capable outfielder with Boston slotting him into permanent designated hitter duties in 2024.

      Yoshida is owed $55.8 million over the next three seasons.

      Brock Beauchamp

      Alex Speier of The Boston Globe wrote on Saturday that "several major league sources" are reporting that the Red Sox have been actively shopping first baseman Triston Casas in trade talks this winter.

      After Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow said earlier that the team was not interested in shopping Casas, something appears to have changed. Coupled with the pursuit of Juan Soto and speculation that Rafael Devers may move off third base, it will be hard to find consistent playing time for Casas if all those stars align.

      Casas, still only 24, posted a 120 OPS+ last season and isn't arbitration-eligible. He is under team control until after the 2028 season.

      Davy Andrews

      Some of us have been waiting for this day for quite a while. This morning, Baseball Prospectus released its rankings for the top 100 prospects across baseball. Unsurprisingly, Roman Anthony is still ranked number one. The big news is that Kristian Campbell's incredible 2024 season has pushed him all the way up to number three. Marcelo Mayer checks in at number 25. No other Red Sox prospects made the list, which is unsurprising after the amount of prospect capital they moved in order to get Garrett Crochet and Carlos Narváez. The Dodgers are the only team with two prospects in the top 10 and three in the top 25.

      Matthew Lenz

      The Boston Red Sox have a handful of player or mutual options that will significantly impact their offseason plans. Most notably, Alex Bregman is expected to opt out of his player option but has said he's interested in returning to the club. Another big name, Jarren Duran, has a unique team option despite still being arbitration-eligible, and it's unclear what direction the team may take with the former top prospect. Additionally, Lucas Giolito and Liam Hendriks have mutual options, both of which are expected to be declined by the team. Then we finally get to Trevor Story.

      Chris Cotillo of MassLive is reporting that "Boston decision makers are — cautiously — quite optimistic that Story will opt in and play out the remaining two years and $55 million on his deal." One thing that may be impacting Story is that the club can void his opt-out by adding an extra year and $20 million to the current deal, which would make him a free agent following the 2028 season at 34 years old.

      Story enjoyed a bounce-back in 2025, finishing the regular season with 25 home runs, 96 RBIs, and a career-high 31 stolen bases. He became the first Red Sox player to record a 20-home run, 20-stolen base season since Nomar Garciaparra in 1997. Despite the impressive numbers, his wRC+ of 101 indicates he was merely an average producer at the plate.

      Of the players they control, which options should be accepted? Would you like to see Story come back? 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!

      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

      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

      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!

      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

      The Boston Red Sox are looking to be aggressive this offseason, and the stove is already getting hot for the team. While MLBTR previously listed Jarren Duran (and Wilyer Abreu) as one of the top 40 trade candidates this offseason, Bob Nightengale of USA Today suggests that it is a focus of the team this offseason.

      Yesterday, Nightengale reported that the Boston Red Sox "believe they need an upgrade over Jarren Duran and that he needs a fresh start." He took it even further by stating that "it would be a massive surprise if he's in Fort Myers come spring training.

      Duran, who is controllable through 2028, has been a polarizing figure throughout his career. From multiple controversial comments to up-and-down performances, the 29-year-old has been the subject of trade rumors in the past, and those rumors may continue this offseason. In 2025, he carried an OPS of .774 with 16 home runs and 24 stolen bases across 696 plate appearances.

      Do you think the Red Sox should move Duran before Opening Day 2025? 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

       

      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

      Major League Baseball's GM Meetings are underway in Las Vegas this week. Though it's rare for any moves to come to fruition during the week, it undoubtedly provides teams with an opportunity to start conversations around potential targets. Boston Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow wasted no time stoking the hot stove.

      As has been speculated by baseball beat writers and reporters early in the offseason, Breslow identified a number two start and middle-of-the-order power bat as the team's top two priorities this offseason.

      On the pitching front, rumors have continued on Minnesota Twins starter Joe Ryan, whom the Red Sox made a last-ditch attempt on at the 2025 trade deadline. Though he's obviously better than a number two, they could swing bigger if the Detroit Tigers do, in fact, put Tarik Skubal on the block. Additionally, rumors have been swirling regarding Milwaukee Brewers starter Freddy Peralta, though Bob Nightengale recently refuted that he would be made available. On the free agent market, they could target players like Dylan Cease, Michael King, Framber Valdez, Tatsuya Imai, Ranger Suarez, Zac Gallen, Brandon Woodruff, Shota Imanaga, and Chris Bassitt, among others. It's worth noting that King, Valdez, Suarez, Gallen, Woodruff, and Imanaga were tendered qualifying offers.

      On the offensive side of the ball, Kyle Tucker (who might be the "upgrade" the team is looking for over Jarren Duran), Kyle Schwarber, and Pete Alonso all represent potential options. Of course, they also look to bring back Alex Bregman and have been linked to Bo Bichette.

      There are many potential options to address the needs identified by Breslow. Who do you think the Red Sox should add? Let us know in the comments!

      Matthew Lenz

      Days after the Boston Red Sox and San Francisco Giants agreed to a blockbuster trade, additional information behind the trade discussion is emerging.

      Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle is reporting that the Red Sox initially wanted first baseman and top prospect, Bryce Eldridge to headline the return package for Devers.

      She also reported that the Giants quickly rebuffed that idea.

      Eldridge, 21, is a consensus top 50 prospect in all of baseball. Recently, he was promoted to the Giants Triple-A affiliate, though he has struggled through his first 60 played appearances at the level.

      Eldridge as the Red Sox primary target makes a lot of sense with the uncertainty and injury history surrounding the team's primary first baseman Tristan Casas.

      Do you think the Red Sox should have stuck to their guns or are you happy with the return for Devers?

      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

      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!

      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 front office is going to be especially busy this week as we approach the 48-hour mark to the trade deadline. Over the last week or so, they've been tied to nearly every name on the market as they look to bolster their rotation, bullpen, first base, and catching depth.

      Jim Bowden is reporting that the Red Sox "are speed dialing the [Minnesota] Twins at an annoying level with continued interest" in multiple players. He also mentions four other teams, including two AL East rivals.

      The headliner would be starter Joe Ryan, who is having a Cy Young caliber season to this point, sporting a 2.82 ERA (3.17 FIP) and a 23.8% strikeout-minus-walk (K-BB) rate. He is controllable through 2027. However, he's not the only high-end asset the Twins have to offer, and the Blue Jays are interested in.

      They're also calling on "basically the whole bullpen", which focuses on Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, and possibly even Danny Coulombe. All three have been elite producers for the Twins this season, and Duran and Jax are controllable through 2027. Coulombe, a lefty specialist, will be a free agent at season's end.

      Lastly, Bowden reports that they're also calling on outfielder Harrison Bader and super-utility Willi Castro. Both players have been plus contributors for the Twins. Bader is carrying a .776 OPS with 12 home runs and 10 stolen bases. He also provides a plus glove in the outfield. Castro, who is less strong defensively but much more versatile, has a .761 OPS with 10 home runs and nine stolen bases. Both players will be free agents at the end of the season.

      The Red Sox have been tied to MANY names recently. Who should they prioritize? Join the conversation 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!

      Matthew Lenz

      It remains unclear whether the Boston Red Sox will be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline, but Jim Bowden of The Athletic is reporting that the Boston Red Sox "would like to" extend Alex Bregman or trade him at the deadline.

      Bowden goes on to suggest the Seattle Mariners, Detroit Tigers, and Milwaukee Brewers as potential landing spots for the superstar third basemen, if he is dealt.

      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. He signed a 3-year, $120 million contract with the Red Sox in February 2025 with opt outs at the end of each season.

      If the Red Sox are in fact buyers, he likes them to target Emmanuel class of the Cleveland Guardians or Ryan Helsley of the St. Louis Cardinals.

      Do you think the Boston Red Sox should buy or sell at the deadline? 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!

      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!

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