REPORT: Red Sox Floated As Trade Destination For Cy Young-Caliber Starting Pitcher

The Boston Red Sox seem to have plenty of starting pitching depth, especially if Lucas Giolito stays healthy and prospects like Richard Fitts continue to develop. However, that doesn’t mean they should completely rule out a trade for San Diego Padres ace Dylan Cease, who has been a popular name in trade rumors this offseason.

Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors recently argued that Boston should consider making a move for Cease, despite their already deep rotation. While the Red Sox haven’t made a huge free-agent splash, they did add Garrett Crochet to a staff that includes Tanner Houck, Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, free-agent signing Walker Buehler, and eventually Giolito. A late-season rotation featuring Crochet, Cease, Giolito, Houck, and Buehler could be dominant, especially if Boston makes a postseason push.

Crawford, who struggled late last season, has four years of team control and could be a valuable trade piece. Other depth options like Quinn Priester, Richard Fitts, and Cooper Criswell might also interest San Diego, given their long-term control. While Boston likely wouldn’t part with Jarren Duran or Ceddanne Rafaela for a one-year rental, they might consider selling high on Wilyer Abreu. If they move Abreu, they could turn to a short-term outfield option like Randal Grichuk or Mark Canha while keeping a path open for top prospect Roman Anthony.

Cease, 29, would immediately boost Boston’s rotation. A Cy Young finalist in both leagues—finishing second in the AL in 2022 with the White Sox and fourth in the NL last season with the Padres—he posted a 14-11 record, 3.47 ERA, 1.067 WHIP, and 10.6 K/9 in 33 starts.

That said, the Red Sox seem more focused on adding a right-handed bat to balance their lefty-heavy lineup rather than making another major pitching acquisition.