White Sox Reportedly May Rebuild; Should Red Sox Take Chance At Trade For Star?

Should the Red Sox consider making a big splash?

The Boston Red Sox have surprised some so far this season but they may be a big trade away from fully competing. 

Boston is 15-14 after 29 games and is tied with the New York Yankees for last place in the American League East. The Red Sox were widely expected to finish in last place in the division after a rough 2022 season, but Boston has shown some flashes of impressive play so far this season. Boston's offense has been impressive so far this season but the biggest way the team could improve is through the starting rotation. 

The Red Sox entered the 2023 season seemingly with a surplus of starting pitching but injuries have hampered the rotation already. Garrett Whitlock was slow to start the season as he recovered from off-season hip surgery and recently was bitten by the injury bug once again as he was placed on the 15-day injured list with an elbow injury. If Whitlock were to miss an extended period, a trade may make sense for Boston and the club should keep an eye out for the Chicago White Sox. 

Chicago has struggled so far this season and is 8-21 through 29 games. The White Sox reportedly may rebuild and if they were to do so, the Red Sox should look into trading for Chicago ace, Dylan Cease. The 27-year-old is under team control until 2026 and has developed into one of the most impressive young pitchers in baseball. 

Cease is in his fifth season and has been impressive. The fireballer compiled a 2.20 ERA in 2022 across 32 starts. The 27-year-old struck out 227 batters while walking just 78 batters in 184 innings pitched. So far this season Cease is 2-1 with a 4.15 ERA in a league-leading six starts to go along with 37 strikeouts. 

If Boston were to acquire Cease, it likely would take a massive trade package but a move may be worth it. The Red Sox's farm system is much improved so they likely could meet any asking price and the club has been in the market for a top-of-the-rotation hurler. Chris Sale is healthy and starting to look like himself again. If he can maintain the momentum and the club could add another top-of-the-rotation guy to the mix, it could give them a very solid frontline duo. 

More MLB: Red Sox Officially Demote Fireballer To Minors; Should Boston Add Depth With Signing?