The Boston Red Sox made a concerted effort this offseason to address their biggest weakness from 2024—their pitching staff. While their offense was already a strength, the addition of Alex Bregman and a full season of Triston Casas make it even more formidable. However, their pitching struggled, ranking 16th in ERA (tied with the Cardinals) at 4.04.
Now, those pitching concerns may be a thing of the past. Red Sox general manager Craig Breslow bolstered the staff by acquiring Garrett Crochet, Walker Buehler, and Aroldis Chapman.
While some may question the Chapman signing, a rotation featuring Crochet, Buehler, and Tanner Houck offers significant upside. Still, the back end of the rotation remains a concern, leaving room for further upgrades—especially with one of baseball’s top aces potentially becoming available.
Sandy Alcantara has flown under the radar this offseason. The former Cy Young winner struggled in 2023 before undergoing Tommy John surgery, which sidelined him for all of last season. While health concerns linger, there was little trade speculation since he was expected to start 2025 with the Miami Marlins.
However, with Miami undergoing a rebuild and still owing Alcantara significant money over the next few seasons, his availability before or at the trade deadline seems increasingly likely.
Alcantara’s impressive first spring training start has reignited interest, fueling trade rumors. At the center of these rumors is Boston, which appears to be a strong suitor given its need for an ace, a deep farm system, and ownership willing to spend.
Despite parting with significant talent in the Crochet trade, the Red Sox’s farm system remains one of the best in baseball.
The Crochet deal cost Boston two top-100 MLB prospects and two of their other top-15 prospects in a significant package for one pitcher.
However, the Marlins historically haven’t demanded as steep of a return in their trades. That said, Alcantara—under club control through 2027 with a team option—will still command a substantial price. The question now is: What would a trade for Alcantara look like?
The Marlins-Red Sox trade proposal lands another hurler in Boston
Potential Trade: Red Sox Land Alcantara
Boston Red Sox Receive:
- RHP Sandy Alcantara
Miami Marlins Receive:
- OF Wilyer Abreu
- SS/3B Marcelo Mayer (MLB Pipeline No. 12 prospect)
- SS/2B Mikey Romero (Red Sox No. 11 prospect)
Unlike the package sent to the White Sox for Garrett Crochet, this deal includes a young MLB-ready player in Wilyer Abreu. The former top-30 Red Sox prospect impressed in his rookie season, finishing sixth in AL Rookie of the Year voting. He slashed .253/.322/.459 with 15 home runs over 399 at-bats, but his value extends beyond offense—his stellar defense in right field earned him a Gold Glove.
Under normal circumstances, Abreu would be a long-term piece for Boston, but with top prospect Roman Anthony on the rise, the Red Sox have flexibility in their outfield. They could shift Kristian Campbell to the outfield as well, ensuring that Masataka Yoshida remains a DH when healthy while Rafael Devers and Alex Bregman hold down the infield.
The key prospect in this deal is Marcelo Mayer, currently Boston’s No. 3 prospect and No. 12 in MLB’s top 100. Mayer has excelled at Double-A but has yet to play a full Triple-A season.
While he projects as an impact bat with solid power and strong defense, Boston’s crowded infield blocks his path to the majors. The Red Sox refused to move him in the Crochet trade, but lingering concerns about his durability might make them more open to dealing him now.
The final piece, Mikey Romero, ranks as Boston’s No. 11 prospect and is known for his high baseball IQ and ability to hit to all fields. Though he’s had some injury setbacks, his upside makes him a valuable addition to Miami’s farm system.
This package gives the Marlins a mix of immediate and long-term talent while providing Boston with a frontline ace under contract through 2027. If Alcantara returns to form, he could be the missing piece for the Red Sox’s push back into contention.
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