Roster Creativity Could Push Red Sox Into Another Blockbuster Trade

The Boston Red Sox had a fantastic offseason, from reportedly signing Alex Bregman to upgrading their starting pitching with Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler.

The additions are set, but the Red Sox still have an overflow of position players, both in Triple-A and at the MLB level, to balance out. That could theoretically lead Boston into another standout move if they choose to pursue it.

The Padres have a loaded payroll and just signed ex-Red Sox starter Nick Pivetta to a four-year deal. They have other talented arms in the rotation, such as Dylan Cease, who San Diego general manager AJ Preller did not sound totally inclined to trade. However, other needs could lead both parties to the table.

San Diego is reportedly in the market for another bat, and the Red Sox have plenty of cost-controlled options to potentially offer for San Diego. Do the Red Sox need another frontline starter? No. Would they benefit from turning roster balancing into another star? Absolutely.

Cease could make another addition to the Chicago White Sox reunion going on the Boston rotation with Crochet and Lucas Giolito. Cease just turned 29 years old and led the league in starts in three of the last four seasons. The starter will make over $13.5 million this season, though the Red Sox are only over the first CBT threshold and can add if they want to.

San Diego’s financial situation and Boston’s depth in young bats could create the making for one more preseason blockbuster.