Red Sox Open to Trading Controllable Starting Pitchers, Says Breslow
The Boston Red Sox are exploring trade opportunities involving their controllable starting pitchers. With recent additions to their rotation, the organization is in a strong position to consider moving some of their depth. Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow recently highlighted this strategy, noting the interest from other teams in acquiring controllable starting pitching.
Pitching Depth and Trade Considerations
The Red Sox have bolstered their rotation by acquiring Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals and Johan Oviedo from the Pittsburgh Pirates. These transactions, along with Garrett Crochet and Brayan Bello, solidify their starting lineup. With multiple viable options, the team is contemplating trades to enhance other roster areas.
Key Players in Trade Talks
- Payton Tolle
- Connelly Early
- Hunter Dobbins
- Patrick Sandoval
- Kutter Crawford
- Kyle Harrison
Amid trade discussions, teams like the Houston Astros are reportedly interested in Connelly Early and Payton Tolle. Additionally, players such as Kutter Crawford, Patrick Sandoval, and Hunter Dobbins have also attracted attention from various franchises.
Assessment of Pitcher Profiles
Crawford and Sandoval both faced injury setbacks, impacting their prospects within the Red Sox organization. Crawford’s numbers show promise, with a career 4.57 ERA over 392 1/3 innings. However, his injuries in 2025 may hinder his trade value. Similarly, Sandoval, who has a solid track record, is owed $12.75 million for the upcoming season and will become a free agent thereafter.
Hunter Dobbins serves a different profile. With only 61 big league innings, he is seen as a cost-effective option. Despite an ACL injury ending his 2025 season, his minor league performance from 2023 to 2024 indicates potential, highlighted by a 3.36 ERA.
Potential Trade Targets
The Red Sox are also considering trades for outfield players Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, and Masataka Yoshida, while Triston Casas could be on the move if Boston finds a suitable first baseman. One prominent name in discussions is Ketel Marte of the Arizona Diamondbacks, who could be a valuable addition.
Marte’s consistent performance and favorable contract make him an appealing target for many teams, including the Red Sox. He is under contract for six more years at approximately $17 million annually. However, the Diamondbacks have received trade inquiries for him regularly, which complicates potential negotiations.
Looking Ahead
The Red Sox aim to maximize their pitching depth while keeping an eye on market trends. With interest in controllable starting pitchers growing, the organization could find itself in a prime position for strategic trades. Boston’s depth in arms could lead to significant roster upgrades as they approach the next season.
