Red Sox Eye Trades to Boost Lineup After Postseason Exit

The Boston Red Sox are actively seeking to enhance their roster following a disappointing exit from the postseason. On November 25, the team acquired pitcher Sonny Gray and cash from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for two pitchers and a player to be named later. Despite this addition, the Red Sox’s early elimination in the wild-card series against the New York Yankees highlighted the need for further improvements beyond a 36-year-old pitcher.

The team’s future looks promising, particularly with the emergence of former top prospect Roman Anthony, who made his debut this season and demonstrated his potential. Nevertheless, the Red Sox require more veteran talent to support their young roster, especially after parting ways with franchise icon Rafael Devers in June. Replacing his offensive production is crucial if the team aims to build on their third-place finish in the American League East in 2025.

While players like outfielders Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu have been frequently mentioned in trade discussions, several other players could also be considered for potential trades to strengthen the team’s lineup.

Potential Trade Candidates

One key player the Red Sox may consider moving is Ceddanne Rafaela. The 25-year-old center fielder has gained attention for his defensive skills, winning his first Gold Glove Award in 2025. Over 156 games, Rafaela posted a batting line of .249/.295/.414, contributing 16 home runs and 63 RBIs. While his RBIs decreased from 75 in 2024, he improved his on-base percentage to .274 and reduced his strikeouts from 151 to 117. Since making his debut in August 2023, Rafaela has also shown versatility by playing shortstop and second base, making him an attractive option for contending teams aiming to bolster their outfield defense.

Another player on the trade block could be Marcelo Mayer, an infielder drafted fourth overall by the Red Sox in the 2021 MLB Draft. After a challenging stint in the minor leagues marked by injuries, the 22-year-old made his major league debut in May. Despite a batting average of .228 and a .674 OPS, Mayer demonstrated potential with 13 extra-base hits and 10 RBIs before a right wrist sprain sidelined him for the rest of the season. With just 136 plate appearances over 44 games, Mayer still possesses a high ceiling, and he will turn 23 on December 12.

Finally, Brayan Bello may find himself in a precarious position following the addition of Gray to the starting rotation. The 26-year-old right-hander experienced the best season of his career in 2025, recording a 3.35 ERA over 166.2 innings and striking out 124 batters. Notably, he pitched his first complete game in July against the Colorado Rockies. While Bello has faced some arm injuries, his strong performance could make him an appealing trade asset. If the Red Sox can leverage Bello’s value to acquire a proven offensive player, they should consider doing so.

As the offseason progresses, the Red Sox’s ability to make strategic trades will be crucial in transforming their roster into a more competitive unit. The organization must balance nurturing their promising young talent with the necessity of securing experienced players to fill the void left by key departures. The upcoming months will be pivotal in shaping the future of the team.