Red Sox Eyeing St. Louis Closer in Potential Trade
The Boston Red Sox have been aggressive this offseason, making major moves to compete with the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles in the AL East. After falling short in recent years, they’ve assembled a formidable roster by acquiring Garrett Crochet, Walker Buehler, Aroldis Chapman, and Alex Bregman. These additions should propel them toward contention, but one glaring issue remains—Boston lacks a reliable closer.
The departure of Kenley Jansen in free agency left a significant void in the bullpen. While the Red Sox brought in veteran relievers like Liam Hendriks and Chapman, both have struggled this spring, raising concerns about their ability to handle ninth-inning duties. If neither can step up, Boston may need to look outside the organization for a true shutdown closer.
One potential solution? A blockbuster trade with the St. Louis Cardinals. St. Louis is in the midst of a retooling phase and could be open to moving their elite closer for the right return. With a deep farm system and a win-now mindset, the Red Sox have the assets to strike a deal.
Who might they target, and what would a trade look like?
This Red Sox-Cardinals trade would give Boston the Kenley Jansen replacement it needs
Red Sox Land Ryan Helsley in Proposed Trade
Boston Red Sox Receive:
- RHP Ryan Helsley
St. Louis Cardinals Receive:
- RHP Richard Fitts
- OF Miguel Bleis
- Cash Considerations
With Ryan Helsley entering the final year of his contract and the Cardinals aiming to cut payroll, a trade involving the All-Star closer seems inevitable. St. Louis is shifting toward a long-term rebuild, making it unlikely they will commit to an expensive extension for Helsley. Meanwhile, Boston desperately needs a reliable ninth-inning arm, and acquiring Helsley would immediately solidify their bullpen.
Instead of giving up a massive haul, the Red Sox would send a combination of cash and two top-15 prospects.
Richard Fitts, 25, showed promise in over 20 big-league innings last season. He has steadily developed throughout the minors, and in St. Louis, he would have a legitimate shot at making the Opening Day roster or contributing early in the season.
Miguel Bleis, 21, has struggled over the past two seasons but remains an intriguing prospect due to his raw tools and athleticism. Despite his setbacks, he still carries significant upside. Adding him to the Cardinals’ farm system would provide them with a young outfield talent who could develop into a key piece down the road.
This trade works well for both sides. The Cardinals, who no longer need a top-tier closer during a rebuilding phase, get two promising players while offloading Helsley before he walks for nothing in free agency. For the Red Sox, Helsley would be a game-changing addition, giving them a dominant presence at the back end of their bullpen as they push for a deep postseason run.
Be the first to comment