One of the Boston Red Sox’ main goals this offseason is to find a true No. 2 ace to support Garrett Crochet in the starting rotation. While there are some free agents around, most of the top pitchers will have to be acquired through trade.
MassLive’s Red Sox insider Chris Cotillo revealed the top eight candidates for trade, and noted that the Sox will not settle for another Walker Buehler and will make sure they get a real No. 2.
“It’s hard to imagine the Red Sox looking for a deal like the one they gave Walker Buehler a year ago. Any pursuits on the open market should be for a true upgrade..The Red Sox are likely approaching this winter hoping to add a No. 2, install Bello as the No. 3, and figure out the rest with the [existing internal]options,” Cotillo wrote.
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Here are the eight trade options:
Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers LHP
Easily the best pitcher on this list, the Red Sox would have to give up the farm and break the bank to keep him in Boston long-term. However, the man is possibly about to win back-to-back Cy Youngs, and pairing him with his rival in Crochet would be plain unfair to other teams.
Joe Ryan, Minnesota Twins RHP
The one that got away. The Sox almost had a deal at the trade deadline to the point it was getting reported it was done, but fell through in the final minutes. If the Sox can get him this winter for a better price, they better try.
Freddy Peralta, Milwaukee Brewers RHP
Even after a historic season and getting all the way to the NLCS, the Brewers are still expected to put their ace on the market. If the Sox can get the All-Star for a good price, he will be one of the best pickups they could get this offseason.
MacKenzie Gore, Washington Nationals LHP
A young arm showing signs of being great, Gore could finally take the next step under the tutelage of Andrew Bailey. He’s got two years of control left, so he definitely would be a discount acquisition.
Hunter Greene, Cincinnati Reds RHP
The ace of the Reds, who’s already been linked to the Sox. The only problem with him is his injury history, but his velocity could make up for that.
Andrew Abbott, Cincinnati Reds LHP
The second ace of the Reds, Abbott isn’t much different from Greene statistically, but is way more durable. Between the two, he could be the safer choice.
Mitch Keller, Pittsburgh Pirates RHP
This is where the list becomes more Walker Buehlerish. Keller finished with a 4.19 ERA, but he eats innings and strikes out a decent number of batters.
Sandy Alcantara, Miami Marlins RHP
In his first season back from Tommy John, Alcantara did not look good. However, he started to get it together near the end of the season, so he might be a consideration. But he shouldn’t be the “trade of the winter” for the Sox.
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