Red Sox Could Trade From Rotation After Suarez Deal

The Boston Red Sox have shaken up their roster this offseason, making big moves in the starting rotation. They’ve spent serious money, pulled off a few clever trades, and now have a deep pool of pitching options. Still, some infield questions linger.

Boston now holds some leverage as they look to fill the last few roster gaps.

A Rotation Remade in One Winter

The Red Sox went after pitching with unusual urgency. They signed free agent Ranger Suárez on a five-year, $130 million deal. Then they traded for Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo.

That’s a massive overhaul—almost 60% of the rotation swapped out in just a few weeks. Even with Lucas Giolito leaving in free agency, the staff looks deeper and more talented. It’s no longer a patchwork group.

This rotation should be able to handle injuries or the occasional rough patch.

Depth That Changes the Conversation

Boston heads into the season with eight to ten real starting options. At the top: Garrett Crochet, Ranger Suárez, and Sonny Gray. Triple-A Worcester holds even more arms in reserve.

Several pitchers still have minor-league options, so the Red Sox can shuffle their staff without tough roster calls. They don’t have to trade anyone unless the offer is too good to ignore. That changes the whole vibe when other teams call.

Infield Needs Still Loom Large

The rotation looks set, but the infield? Not so much. Boston missed on Alex Bregman in free agency and couldn’t land Ketel Marte either. Second base stands out as a glaring need.

Now, the Red Sox will likely hunt for an infielder via trade. Ideally, they want someone with years of team control who can slot into the core lineup.

The Arms That Could Bring Back a Bat

If Boston decides to dip into its pitching depth for a trade, a couple of names pop up:

• Payton Tolle – Young, lots of upside, and flexible with minor-league options.
• Connelly Early – Also intriguing, with control and potential.

Both could headline a deal for a controllable infielder who makes an impact.

Other Starters: Value and Risk

Not every pitcher carries the same weight in trade talks. Brayan Bello, locked in long-term at a reasonable $12.625 million per year, is controllable for a while. But his strikeout numbers have dipped, and he relies heavily on ground balls. That makes his value a little tricky to pin down.

Mid-Tier and Fringe Options

Kutter Crawford and Patrick Sandoval are cheaper and still under control, but don’t spark much excitement. Crawford could work as a league-average starter if he stays healthy.

Sandoval’s coming off an injury and his contract isn’t ideal for teams needing immediate help. Kyle Harrison—part of the Rafael Devers deal—retains some intrigue and years of control, but his inconsistent secondary stuff and a dip in prospect status have cooled the hype.

Tanner Houck is still recovering from Tommy John surgery in August and won’t pitch in 2026. He’s basically off the table in trade talks.

A Position of Strength and Patience

The Red Sox are in a spot where they’ve got some real flexibility. Their pitching depth gives them the option to make a trade, but they’re not forced into anything unless the offer actually makes sense.

Boston’s front office will stay picky. They’ll look for deals that bring in a controllable, impact bat instead of just minor improvements.

For the first time in a while, the Red Sox can wait things out. That patience might just be their biggest edge.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Red Sox Could Trade From Rotation Depth