
The Boston Red Sox made a major splash this offseason with the $130 million signing of left-hander Ranger Suárez – and now, the ripple effects are starting to take shape. With Suárez added to the mix, Boston suddenly has a surplus of arms, and they’re actively exploring ways to reshape their roster by dealing from that depth.
According to reports, the Red Sox are engaged in trade conversations centered around three pitchers: Bryan Bello, Patrick Sandoval, and reliever Jordan Hicks. And while trade chatter is nothing new this time of year, the fact that these three names keep surfacing suggests Boston is seriously considering moving at least one of them before Opening Day.
Bryan Bello and Patrick Sandoval: Solid, but Expendable?
Let’s start with Bello and Sandoval. Both are capable big-league starters – reliable, innings-eating types who can hold down a rotation spot. But in a suddenly crowded pitching room, they may be the odd men out.
Bello, in particular, has shown flashes of promise. He’s got a lively fastball and a developing changeup that’s given hitters fits at times.
But his inconsistency has kept him from locking down a top-of-the-rotation role. Sandoval, meanwhile, brings a left-handed presence and experience, but he hasn’t quite taken that leap into frontline status either.
In short: they’re good, but not untouchable – especially if Boston believes it has better long-term upside in younger arms.
And the Red Sox do have internal options they’re high on. Peyton Tolle and Connelly Early are two names the organization reportedly wants to keep off the trade block.
Both are young, with potential to become rotation mainstays in the coming years. That kind of upside is hard to part with, especially when the team sees them as part of the next core.
Jordan Hicks: A Versatile Trade Chip
Then there’s Jordan Hicks. Best known for lighting up radar guns out of the bullpen, Hicks has also dabbled in starting – and that versatility makes him an intriguing trade piece. His role in Boston has mostly been in relief, but with his high-octane stuff and the ability to stretch out if needed, he’s the kind of arm that can draw interest from a wide range of teams.
More importantly, Hicks could help Boston address one of its biggest needs: infield help. The Red Sox are actively looking to shore up either second or third base. With top prospect Marcelo Mayer expected to claim one of those spots in the near future, the front office is focused on filling the other – and moving an arm like Hicks could be the key to making that happen.
What This Means for Boston’s Roster Plans
This isn’t just about clearing space or offloading contracts. This is about balancing the roster and maximizing value. The Red Sox have pitching depth – a luxury not every team enjoys – and they’re using that leverage to explore ways to improve elsewhere on the diamond.
It’s also worth noting that while Bello, Sandoval, and Hicks are the names most frequently mentioned, the Red Sox aren’t closing the door on other possibilities. Trade talks are fluid, and depending on the market, other pitchers could enter the conversation. But for now, these three appear to be the most likely to move.
Bottom line: Boston’s front office is being proactive. They’ve made a major investment in Suárez, and now they’re looking to turn surplus into strength. If the right deal comes along, don’t be surprised to see one of these arms heading out – and an infielder coming in.