Red Sox Floated As Landing Spot For Rookie Of The Year Despite Conflicting Speculation

Should the Red Sox trade for the former Rookie of the Year Award winner?

What will the Boston Red Sox do at second base this offseason? 

It's clear that the team is looking for an improvement at the position after a subpar 2023 campaign. Boston knew the position was an issue entering the 2023 campaign but didn't add much last offseason.

It sounds like the Red Sox realize that was an issue and are looking at a variety of ways to improve the spot. Boston has been linked to three-time All-Star Whit Merrifield on multiple occasions and has spoken with his agent. The Red Sox also have been linked to possible trade candidates like San Diego Padres stud Ha-Seong Kim. 

All of this chatter seems to show that the Red Sox will be adding. One player who has popped up as a possibility multiple times as well is Cincinnati Reds infielder Jonathan India. The 2021 National League Rookie of the Year has been mentioned as a trade candidate, but the Reds specifically have said he won't be traded.

Although that is the case, rumors continue to spread and The Athletic's Jim Bowden mentioned the Red Sox as a fit for India again.

"The Reds keep saying publicly that they are not shopping India or planning on trading him, but they are listening to offers and would be willing to move the former Rookie of the Year if they get the right starting pitcher back in a deal," Bowden said. "The signing of corner infielder Jeimer Candelario (three-year, $45 million deal) makes India expendable...

"The Reds Like having the protection of extra infielders because the upper levels of their farm system don't offer big-league depth in that area, but their need to upgrade the starting rotation trumps that. The Red Sox, (Los Angeles Angels), and (Chicago White Sox) are among the teams that could use India."

Bowden listed the top trade candidates for the rest of the offseason and mentioned Boston as a fit for India. The Red Sox need a second baseman and if India actually is available could meet the Reds' asking price. If they are looking for a starting pitcher, a deal involving someone like Tanner Houck could make sense.

At this point a trade still is unlikely, but shouldn't be ruled out.

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