The Boston Red Sox are reportedly in the Sandy Alcántara sweepstakes as the trade deadline slowly creeps up on baseball. The rebuilt rotation entering this season is much stronger than it was a year ago, but it could certainly be better. David Schoenfield of ESPN (subscription required) believes one of these three players may be needed to acquire Alcántara.

SS Marcelo Mayer (Red Sox No. 3 prospect) INF Franklin Arias (Red Sox No. 4 prospect) INF Yoeilin Cespedes (Red Sox No. 7 prospect) “Alcántara’s multiyear team control and reasonable salary makes him especially attractive to the Red Sox — a team that has been reluctant to spend with the big boys in recent years,” wrote Schoenfield. “Frankly, they should be able to outbid any other team, especially since the Marlins are starving for hitters.” Schoenfield noted if the Marlins were to acquire Mayer that they would shift Xavier Edwards to second base on a full-time basis. With Arias and Cespdes, they would not have to do that as both of them can play either position.

Alcántara is under team control through the 2027 season, which makes him a prized possession as the deadline nears. The Marlins are going to hold onto him for as long as possible to maximize their return. While the conversation for the Marlins may start with one of the three aforementioned middle infielders, there’s a strong chance the Red Sox may need to part with two of them at the deadline.