Hot stove season is officially almost here. Shortly after the World Series concludes this week, the 2026 season calendar will start, and player transactions will be at an all-time high.
The trade rumor mill across MLB is also starting to swirl. The Boston Red Sox had an active 2025 offseason with signings and trading for Garrett Crochet, who eventually became the team's ace. A recent 'wild' trade idea predicts that Boston will make another big splash.
Red Sox trade prediction lands Rays' Junior Caminero
Is there a world where the Tampa Bay Rays trade away Junior Caminero? After he just smashed 45 home runs in a clear breakout campaign.
Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller seems to think the idea is plausible, and the trade prediction features many players involved:
"The Trade: Tampa Bay Rays send 3B Junior Caminero to Boston Red Sox for SS Franklin Arias, LHP Payton Tolle, OF Jhostynxon Garcia and RHP Kyson Witherspoon"
That is an absolute haul to give up for one Caminero, but he showed this season that he could be a premier threat with a bat in his hands. The Red Sox have luxury in their farm system, which makes this idea plausible. And we saw last year Boston send away a few top prospects for Garrett Crochet.
"And yet, if either side would have no interest in this "four quarters for a dollar" trade proposal, it would probably be Tampa Bay, after Caminero exploded for 45 home runs in 2025 in advance of what will be five more years of team control," wrote Miller.
Caminero hit.264 this season with 110 RBIs, and an OPS+ of 131.
As the offseason looms, it's important to continue thinking about what blockbuster deals may transpire across MLB.
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