The Boston Red Sox have dealt with several injuries to their starting rotation this offseason, but their bullpen might be the bigger concern.
The Boston Red Sox will be without three starting pitchers—Lucas Giolito, Kutter Crawford, and Brayan Bello—to start the 2025 season. However, their biggest pitching concern heading into the year isn’t the rotation.
Despite those injuries, Boston still has a solid starting group with Garrett Crochet, Walker Buehler, Tanner Houck, Quinn Priester, and Richard Fitts. Additionally, none of the injuries to their sidelined starters are expected to be long-term issues.
The real problem lies in the bullpen, as the Red Sox currently lack a true closer. At the moment, Liam Hendriks, Aroldis Chapman, and Justin Slaten are expected to share closing duties, but that situation is far from ideal.
To solidify the back end of the bullpen, Boston could look to make a major trade—potentially with the San Diego Padres—to acquire a true lockdown closer before the season gets underway.
This Red Sox-Padres trade would give Boston its closer in Robert Suarez
With Robert Suarez entering the final year of his contract and the Padres unlikely to re-sign him next offseason, San Diego could explore trade opportunities if the price is right.
Suarez was dominant last season, posting a sub-3.00 ERA over 65 innings while securing 36 saves in his first full year as the Padres’ closer—establishing himself as one of baseball’s top relievers.
Potential Trade Proposal
Boston Red Sox receive:
- RHP Robert Suarez
San Diego Padres receive:
- SS/2B Yoeilin Cespedes
- OF Miguel Bleis
- RHP Hunter Dobbins
At first glance, this might seem like an overpay for Boston, but the Padres hold all the leverage. The Red Sox desperately need a closer, while San Diego isn’t obligated to move Suarez. To land an elite arm like his, Boston would need to part with a significant package of prospects—something they can afford to do.
Cespedes, 19, has been outstanding in rookie ball, but with Boston’s deep infield system, he’s somewhat expendable despite his upside.
Bleis, 21, is an electric athlete with power, speed, and a strong arm. While his bat has the potential to develop into a 30-homer threat, he struggles with contact and strikeouts, requiring further development in the minors.
Dobbins, 25, has logged over 300 minor league innings with a sub-4.00 ERA. Featuring a four-pitch mix led by an impressive splinker, he appears big-league ready and could contribute immediately in San Diego.
For Boston, Suarez would be the elite bullpen piece they need to push for an AL Pennant and a World Series title. While he’ll hit free agency after the season, there’s no reason the Red Sox wouldn’t have a strong chance of re-signing him.
For the Padres, the return would be enticing—a near-ready pitcher in Dobbins and two high-upside position player prospects, making a trade like this a worthwhile move.
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