Generational Talent Reportedly Could Be Traded; Could Red Sox Make Blockbuster Deal?
The Boston Red Sox aren't too far away from making their way back to the postseason.
Although the Red Sox have a disappointing 76-80 record, they have made impressive strides this season and should be even better next season. Boston has seen great improvement from some of the club's young players and likely are just a few moves away from possibly contending.
The starting rotation certainly is Boston's biggest question mark, but it wouldn't hurt to add another solid bat to the mix. The free agent offensive player market won't be very deep so it may make more sense to improve through trade. One player who reportedly could be dealt this upcoming offseason and likely will have a massive market is San Diego Padres superstar Juan Soto, according to The San Diego Union Tribune's Kevin Acee.
"In part, because they are out of compliance with MLB regulations regarding their debt service ratio, according to multiple sources, the plan is to go into 2024 with player commitments of around $200 million," Acee said. "The decisions to be made involve whether to keep or trade a potential future Hall of Famer in Juan Soto and what to do with potentially be three-fifths of the starting rotation."
If Soto actually becomes available, seemingly every team could have interest. He is just 24 years old and already is a three-time All-Star, batting title champion, World Series champion, and one of the best overall players in baseball. Soto will hit free agency ahead of the 2025 season and likely will command a contract between $400 and $500 million, but he is worth it. If the Red Sox want to take another step forward, adding someone of Soto's caliber with Rafael Devers could immediately catapult the Red Sox up the standings. Boston has a deep farm system and could meet any asking price from the Padres. Plus, there have been rumblings that the Red Sox could trade Alex Verdugo this upcoming offseason.
A move certainly isn't likely but should at least be considered by Boston if Soto becomes available.
More MLB: Red Sox Manager Alex Cora Takes Hard Stance On Future With Club
