Red Sox Shockingly Predicted To Cut Ties With Top Prospect In Trade For Ace

The Boston Red Sox have nearly as much talent as any team in baseball, but they could use a bit of help on the pitching staff as they’re struggling with injuries right now.

The pitcher who’s been connected to the Red Sox the most on the trade market is Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcántara. Alcántara missed the entire 2024 season with an injury, but he was a Cy Young Award winner in 2022.

It would likely cost the Red Sox a huge prospect haul to land the righty, but it could end up worth it if he returns to form this season.

ESPN’s David Schoenfield suggested that if the Red Sox wanted to acquire Alcántara, they would need to trade away top infield prospect Marcelo Mayer.

“Roman Anthony is a nonstarter, but maybe Marcelo Mayer? Trevor Story is still under contract for two more years, after all,” Schoenfield wrote. “With Mayer, the Marlins could shift Xavier Edwards to second base. If not Mayer, Arias and Cespedes are high-upside young infielders in Single-A ball (Arias is off to a terrific start).”

Trading Mayer should be a no-go for the Red Sox. The star shortstop prospect should be as untouchable as a prospect gets this season.

Boston has Trevor Story at shortstop right now, but he’s getting older and has struggled with injuries in the past. The clear shortstop of the future is Mayer.

Still, a trade for Alcántara isn’t out of the picture for the Red Sox if they’re willing to part ways with a big leaguer like Ceddanne Rafaela.