The Boston Red Sox made significant improvements to their starting rotation this offseason, signing right-hander Walker Buehler and acquiring left-hander Garrett Crochet via trade. Both pitchers are expected to play key roles as the team pushes for contention in the competitive American League East.
However, the rotation has already suffered setbacks, with Lucas Giolito—who missed all of 2024—set to begin the season on the injured list due to a hamstring injury sustained during spring training. Additionally, Brayan Bello will open the year on the 15-day injured list as he deals with a shoulder issue.
Despite bolstering their pitching depth, Boston could find itself short on reliable starters as the season progresses. According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, the Red Sox may look to address this issue at the trade deadline by making a blockbuster move for Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcántara, potentially parting with one of their top young players in the process.
Bowden proposes that Boston could acquire Alcántara in exchange for right fielder Wilyer Abreu and three prospects: infielder Franklin Arias (ranked as the Red Sox’s No. 4 prospect), along with right-handed pitchers Luis Perales (No. 5) and Juan Valera (No. 18).
Sandy Alcántara has been the subject of numerous trade rumors throughout the offseason. Although he missed the entire 2024 season due to injury, he has showcased his Cy Young-winning form in spring training, allowing no runs and striking out 10 batters over 12.1 innings.
Despite the trade speculation, Marlins President of Baseball Operations Caroline O’Conner has firmly stated that the team has no intention of moving Alcántara. “Sandy is back. You’ve seen him in spring training—last year was about recovery, but now he’s healthy and ready to compete. He’s a fierce competitor and thrilled to remain with the Marlins,” O’Conner said.
Several baseball analysts believe that Boston remains a likely destination for Alcántara if Miami does decide to trade him. In a February 27 article for Bleacher Report, Kerry Miller highlighted the widespread expectation that Alcántara will be moved at some point this season, predicting that Boston—currently in win-now mode—has the necessary top-100 prospects to make a deal happen.
Meanwhile, a recent FanSided report identified the Red Sox and the New York Mets as the two teams best positioned to acquire Alcántara. According to reporter Jacob Mountz, even after Boston’s trade for Garrett Crochet, the team still possesses a highly ranked farm system, recently recognized as the best in baseball by Baseball America.
