Cardinals, Red Sox Announce Pre-Thanksgiving Deals
The St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox have been active this offseason, making significant moves ahead of Thanksgiving. This article explores their recent trades and what to expect moving forward.
Cardinals’ Rebuilding Strategy
The Cardinals initiated their rebuilding process by trading right-hander Sonny Gray to the Red Sox. This deal included $20 million in cash and allowed St. Louis to acquire right-hander Richard Fitts and left-hander Brandon Clarke, along with a player or cash yet to be named.
This trade is a crucial step in the Cardinals’ strategy to enhance their pitching depth. Despite the move, the organization still has much work to do. The team is considering trading third baseman Nolan Arenado, while young players like Brendan Donovan are also on the trading block. Willson Contreras remains in a more ambiguous position; he could be a trade candidate but has expressed a desire to remain with the team.
Red Sox’s Offseason Goals
The Red Sox entered the offseason with the aim of strengthening their rotation. With the acquisition of Sonny Gray, they added a seasoned pitcher, who was a prominent Cy Young finisher in 2023 while playing for the Minnesota Twins. However, doubts linger about Gray’s performance level for the 2024-25 seasons.
The Red Sox are now shifting focus towards improving their offensive lineup. Potential targets include prominent names like Alex Bregman, Pete Alonso, and Kyle Schwarber. Additionally, J.T. Realmuto has also been mentioned as a possible addition. With a surplus of left-handed outfielders and a strong pool of MLB-ready pitchers, the Red Sox may explore various avenues to bolster their roster.
Pre-Thanksgiving Trading Activity
The days leading up to Thanksgiving often witness an increase in trades and transactions within the baseball landscape. Although deals on Thanksgiving day are relatively rare, many teams and players aim to finalize agreements before the holiday.
Recent trades include Gray’s move and the swaps involving Brandon Nimmo and Marcus Semien. Free-agent signings have also been prominent, as Phil Maton has moved to the Cubs and Jake Fraley has returned to Tampa Bay just days after being non-tendered.
Historical patterns suggest that additional trades could materialize in the coming days. In previous years, notable deals, including those of Blake Snell and Yusei Kikuchi, were completed shortly before Thanksgiving. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if more pre-Thanksgiving transactions will unfold this season.
