Red Sox Would Be A Natural Trade Partner If Orioles Slugger Was Available, Reports Say.
Through a rare inter-division trade, the Boston Red Sox have an opportunity to strengthen their offense, but it might come at the expense of an already weak pitching staff.
Pitching is one of Boston’s greatest weaknesses, but it wouldn’t be out of the question to give up a few arms in exchange for a star outfielder who was recently rumored to be available.
“The Orioles have some serious problems.” Jeff Passan of ESPN wrote on Tuesday. “Baltimore has an excess of outfield players in addition to infield glut. Additionally, the Orioles may decide to go with an outfield consisting of Austin Hays, Cedric Mullins, Colton Cowser, or Heston Kjerstad if Anthony Santander moves for young pitching, as he is expected to receive approximately $12 million in his final season of arbitration.
In 153 games last season, Santander hit.257 with 42 extra-base hits, including 28 home runs, 95 RBIs, and a.797 OPS. Since he only has league-average defensive skills, he would probably have to stay in left field, which would force Masataka Yoshida to play designated hitter.
The Red Sox have enough farm system assets to present Baltimore with a serious offer. They might look into a trade that sends Tanner Houck or Garrett Whitlock to the Orioles, or they might reach out to players in the Chris Murphy and Brandon Walter class and potentially pair them with a prospect who is a higher-level position player.
Given the recent track record of the Red Sox’s pitching development system, it would be malpractice to give up Luis Perales or Wikelman Gonzalez. Additionally, Shane Drohan cannot be moved because Boston decided not to include him on the 40-man roster before the Rule 5 Draft.
With only a single year remaining on his contract, this might be the best-case situation for the Red Sox. The 29-year-old won’t cost a ton of talent because of how little time he spent with the squad. After that, Boston will have the option of keeping him, trading him before the deadline, or moving on after 2024.