Red Sox Rumors: Multiple Boston Pitchers Mentioned in Trade Discussions

As the Boston Red Sox look to strengthen their roster for the 2026 MLB season, they appear to be a team ready to make moves. Despite missing out on key free-agent targets like Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette, the Red Sox are now looking to fill holes in their infield, particularly at second and third base. With these gaps in the roster, the team is reportedly turning to the trade market, where they have an abundance of pitching assets that could be used to facilitate deals.

Red Sox’s Pitching Depth: A Valuable Trade Asset

The Red Sox’s pitching staff is one of their strongest assets heading into 2026. With starting pitchers like Garrett Crochet, Sonny Gray, Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, Johan Oviedo, and Patrick Sandoval, plus the recently signed Ranger Suárez, Boston’s rotation is well-stocked. Additionally, the team boasts a promising group of young arms, including Connelly Early, Payton Tolle, and Kyle Harrison, who are expected to start the season in Triple-A.

With so many options available on the mound, the Red Sox are in an enviable position when it comes to making trades. The surplus of starting pitchers gives them the flexibility to move one or more of these assets in exchange for a solid infielder or other pieces to improve their roster.

Brayan Bello: A Trade Candidate

One of the key names emerging in trade talks is Brayan Bello, the 24-year-old right-hander who has shown significant potential since joining the Red Sox. Bello had a solid season in 2025, posting a 3.80 ERA across 25 starts. While he still has room to grow, Bello is considered a young and controllable asset that could appeal to teams looking for a promising pitcher.

Given his age and potential, Bello would likely bring a solid return if the Red Sox decide to move him. While the team is not actively shopping him, they are reportedly willing to listen to offers if the right deal comes along. A trade involving Bello could help the Red Sox address their infield needs or add another position of strength, as the team seeks to compete in the tough AL East division.

Patrick Sandoval: Another Trade Option

Another pitcher who could be on the move is Patrick Sandoval. Acquired earlier in the offseason, Sandoval is still recovering from Tommy John surgery, but he has shown glimpses of his potential when healthy. If he returns to form in 2026, Sandoval could provide the Red Sox with significant value as a middle-to-back-end rotation piece. However, his injury history and lack of immediate availability could make him a more uncertain trade asset.

Teams interested in Sandoval would likely see him as a high-upside player with potential, but with the risk that comes with any pitcher coming off major surgery. The Red Sox may be looking to move him now, capitalizing on his potential while his value is still relatively high, especially if they can land a solid infield upgrade in return.

Jordan Hicks: A Power Arm with Trade Potential

Perhaps the most intriguing trade candidate is Jordan Hicks, whom the Red Sox acquired as part of the Rafael Devers trade last year. Hicks was brought in primarily as financial ballast but has struggled to find his footing since joining Boston. After a strong start to his career with the St. Louis Cardinals, Hicks was signed by the Giants to a four-year, $44 million deal with hopes of transitioning him into a starter. However, that experiment quickly unraveled, and Hicks has since returned to a bullpen role.

In his first full season with the Red Sox, Hicks struggled with effectiveness, posting an ERA above 6.90 between his time with San Francisco and Boston. Despite these struggles, Hicks’ high velocity and ground-ball profile make him a tantalizing option for teams looking for a power arm in the bullpen. His potential for a bounce-back season could give him value in the trade market, and the Red Sox may be looking to move him and his remaining $24 million contract.

Though Hicks’ effectiveness has been inconsistent, his raw stuff still carries intrigue, and teams might see him as a buy-low opportunity. The Red Sox are reportedly willing to explore trade options for Hicks, but given his contract, they may need to eat a portion of his salary to facilitate a deal.

The Red Sox’s Trade Strategy: Addressing Infield Needs

While the Red Sox’s pitching staff is deep, their infield remains a work in progress. Missing out on key free-agent targets has left them with questions at second and third base, and the team is actively looking for ways to address those gaps. Trading from their pitching surplus gives the Red Sox a pathway to make those upgrades, whether through acquiring a proven infield bat or adding more depth to their roster.

The Red Sox may also be looking for flexibility, as the team is still working within a tight payroll. By moving one of their pitchers, they could free up enough room to pursue further upgrades during the season or make moves as opportunities arise.

What’s Next for the Red Sox?

As the offseason winds down, the Red Sox are in the midst of important trade discussions, with pitching assets like Brayan Bello, Patrick Sandoval, and Jordan Hicks on the table. The team is aiming to improve its infield and strengthen its overall roster, and with a deep pitching staff, they have the assets to make a move.

While nothing appears imminent, the Red Sox are actively testing the waters and exploring potential deals. As spring training approaches, they will need to make final decisions about which trade offers to pursue and how best to allocate their resources in order to position themselves for a successful 2026 season.

With a solid pitching staff and a focus on upgrading their infield, the Red Sox are set to be a team to watch in the trade market over the next few weeks. How they navigate these discussions will play a critical role in their ability to contend in the competitive AL East and make a push for the postseason.

The Red Sox’s willingness to explore trades for multiple pitchers, including Brayan Bello, Patrick Sandoval, and Jordan Hicks, underscores their intent to build a balanced roster for 2026. With a surplus of pitching talent, the Red Sox have the flexibility to make a move that could address their infield needs and set them up for success in the upcoming season.