Red Sox Reportedly Attempted To Trade For Pair Of Rising Stars But Got Shut Down

Boston attempted to make a move for a pair of rising stars but it hasn't worked out

Who will be taking the mound for the Boston Red Sox in 2024?

This question certainly is up in the air right now. Boston is attempting to rebuild the starting rotation but has been unable to land a hurler to this point. The biggest reason for this is that the Yoshinobu Yamamoto sweepstakes has stalled the starting pitching market.

While this is the case, the Red Sox certainly have been trying to make a move. Boston is pursuing Yamamoto and has been linked to every big-name free agent available. The Red Sox even reportedly have spoken to the Seattle Mariners about a trade for either George Kirby or Logan Gilbert but were shut down, according to the Boston Globe's Alex Speier.

"The Sox have also talked to teams about trade candidates — conversations that can occur more freely without being dependent upon (Yoshinobu Yamamoto) — though they’re seen as being far more interested in acquiring a pitcher with multiple years of control than one who is a year from free agency," Speier said. In the latter camp, the (Chicago White Sox) have listened to offers on right-hander Dylan Cease (not eligible for free agency until after 2025) and the Red Sox approached the Mariners about their impressive young hurlers (George Kirby, Logan Gilbert, and others) but were rebuffed."

Kirby and Gilbert both have been mentioned on multiple occasions this offseason as trade candidates. Both are rising young stars in the rotation, but Seattle has a surplus of solid starting pitching. The Mariners need help elsewhere on the roster so it wouldn't be too surprising to see some trade come to fruition.

If Boston could land either Kirby or Gilbert this offseason, it would be a home run move. Kirby is just 25 years old and already has an All-Star nod under his belt and a career 3.37 ERA in two seasons. Gilbert has pitched three seasons for the Mariners and has a career 3.76 ERA and is just 26 years old. 

Boston is looking for controllable young talent and both Kirby and Gilbert would be perfect options. At this point, a move doesn't seem likely, but the Red Sox have one of the best farm systems in baseball.

If the Red Sox miss out on the top free agents, don't be surprised to see speculation about a trade pick back up.

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