The Boston Red Sox will need to make tough decisions about their outfield soon. They could use one of their younger players as a trade chip to acquire a game-changing ace.
Ceddanne Rafaela could be the odd man out among the Red Sox’s young players. Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, and Roman Anthony are already crowding the outfield. Masataka Yoshida will also have to return to the outfield, as Rafael Devers is now the designated hitter.
Rafaela can also play shortstop or second base, but the Red Sox already have Trevor Story and Kristian Campbell, who were recently extended. Without a clear spot on the team, Newsweek’s Zach Pressnell proposed that the Red Sox trade Rafaela to the Miami Marlins in exchange for Sandy Alcántara.
- Red Sox acquire: right-handed pitcher Sandy Alcántara
- Marlins acquire: utility Ceddanne Rafaela, shortstop/second baseman Franklin Arias, right-handed pitcher David Sandlin and shortstop/second baseman Mikey Romero
“If the Red Sox are serious about wanting to make a move in the right direction, a trade for Sandy Alcántara is the place to start,” says Pressnell. “Of all the pitchers who are likely to become available in a trade this year, Alcántara is the best, and he is still under team control for a few seasons.
The Red Sox can afford to make the trade, even though it will be costly. Roman Anthony, Boston’s top prospect, is vying for a spot in the major leagues. Moving Rafaela makes room for Anthony to remain in the lineup.”
The Marlins are expected to sell at the deadline again, and Alcántara could provide them with a haul to build around. He signed a five-year, $56 million contract in 2022. He is under club control until 2027.
Alcántara won the National League Cy Young Award in 2022 and could be instrumental in helping the Red Sox reclaim the American League East title from the New York Yankees.
