JUST IN: Boston Red Sox Blockbuster Deal Add 105 MPH Flamethrower, Sending Homer-Prone Righty Starter To Minnesota Twins In 2-Player Trade Proposal

The Red Sox bullpen was one of the worst in baseball last season, with Boston relievers blowing 31 saves, second only to the Chicago White Sox, who blew 37 on a team that set a record with 121 losses.

Improving the relief staff is a key priority for Craig Breslow, Boston’s chief of baseball operations, who is seeking power pitchers to strengthen the bullpen.

“Guys who can generate swings and misses, whether that’s big velocity or dominant breaking balls, those guys are successful, especially in the postseason. So I think we’re going to look to add some raw stuff,” Breslow explained at the start of the offseason.

The Red Sox have already signed veteran Aroldis Chapman, who, even at 36 years old, threw over 105 mph in 2024. Now, a new trade idea proposes adding another 105 mph arm to the bullpen: Jhoan Duran from the Minnesota Twins.

 

 

This proposal was discussed on the WEEI-affiliated Red Sox podcast “Play Tessie” on Friday, when host Nat Gordon suggested sending homer-prone righty starter Kutter Crawford to the Twins in exchange for Duran.

Gordon also proposed that the Twins include catcher Christian Vázquez, who was drafted by the Red Sox in 2008 and played an important role in their 2018 World Series win.

For the Twins, the trade would mainly be a financial move. With one of the lowest payrolls in baseball—ranked 20th in 2024—moving the $10 million still owed to Vázquez and avoiding future arbitration costs for Duran in 2025 and 2026 would help keep their payroll around $120 million.

The podcast hosts also suggested that the Red Sox contribute $5 million to the deal along with Crawford, who allowed an MLB-worst 34 home runs in 2024, to help cover the 28-year-old righty’s salary, which is expected to be around $5 million after earning $3.85 million last season.