The Boston Red Sox have shifted to heavy buyers this month as they look for pitching, and the San Diego Padres know they need an outfielder if they wish to compete in the National League.
Former general manager Jim Bowden made sure to get both teams what they need in his recent three-team trade proposal.
Here is the full trade breakdown:
- Boston Red Sox acquire: RHP Edward Cabrera (From Miami)
- San Diego Padres acquire: OF Jarren Duran (From Boston)
- Miami Marlins acquire: C Ethan Salas (From San Diego), RHP Luis Perales (From Boston)
- “The Red Sox need another solid starter to put alongside Garrett Crochet, Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito in the top part of their rotation,” wrote Bowden. “Enter Cabrera, who would give them a legitimate shot to win the division or maintain a wild-card spot while improving their chances of winning a playoff series.”
Cabrera has been the best pitcher this season for the Marlins, recording a 3.48 ERA in 17 starts. He came into the season under the radar behind Sandy Alcántara but has emerged as another dominant arm.
As for the Padres portion of the deal, they finally get the outfielder they’ve been looking for in left field.
- “The Padres would land another difference-making bat, one that would arguably give them the best and most athletic outfield in the sport with Fernando Tatis Jr. in right, Jackson Merrill in center and Duran in left,” wrote Bowden. “Duran’s combination of power and speed would significantly lengthen their lineup and give them a solid shot to catch the Dodgers, who they trail by five games in the National League West.”
This deal would not only help the Red Sox get pitching, it would also start to free up the logjam of outfielders. Duran’s name has been thrown around in trade rumors all season long for this exact reason, and it’s likely he gets dealt between now and Thursday.
- Lastly, the Marlins do get some excellent pieces to build their future with from this deal.
- “The Marlins would get their long-term answer at catcher in Salas, and Perales has similar long-term potential to Cabrera,” added Bowden. “Salas, 19, is already at Double A, though he’s been sidelined since mid-April with a lower back injury. Perales, 22, underwent Tommy John surgery last July. He posted a 2.94 ERA over nine starts in High A and Double A last season. The prospects’ additional years of team control, distance from arbitration and the Marlins’ timetable for contention would make the fit work for Miami.”
These two prospects are obviously pieces that Marlins fans won’t see for a few more years, but they’re players who would add to the next wave of young talent Miami will bring to the majors by the end of the decade.
This is one of those rare three-team trades that really works out for everyone. None of the teams get the short end of the stick in this deal and allows them all to acquire pieces they need for now or the future.