The Boston Red Sox are making waves with their continued pursuit of roster upgrades. After adding left-hander Garrett Crochet in December, many are speculating that the Red Sox aren’t finished yet. MLB Insider Jon Morosi recently suggested that the team could be eyeing another trade – one that could bring a top-tier starting pitcher to Boston’s rotation. Morosi’s insights point to a potential move for right-hander Sandy Alcántara of the Miami Marlins.
“I do believe the Red Sox want to make at least one more significant trade. It could be for [Nolan] Arenado, it could be for an arm like Sandy Alcántara.”
Nolan Arenado has reportedly been more “open minded” to waiving his no-trade clause to more teams in the last 24 hours, per @jonmorosi.#MLBNHotStove pic.twitter.com/AibevANjLl
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 9, 2025
Alcántara, a former Cy Young Award winner, is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery and has two years left at $17.3 million plus a club option for 2027 at $21 million.
Jon Morosi Teases Potential Red Sox Trade for Sandy Alcántara
After trading left-hander Jesús Luzardo to the Philadelphia Phillies, all eyes are now on Alcántara. He was coming off a 2022 season where he posted a 2.38 ERA, a league-leading 228 2/3 innings and six complete games over 32 starts. It was a strong enough campaign that earned Alcantara his first Cy Young Award. However, 2023 was ultimately different.
He wasn’t pitching like he usually does, with a 4.14 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP over 28 starts. Alcántara’s season ended abruptly after landing on the 15-day injured list with a right forearm strain. Until his injury, he recorded the 15th-highest FanGraps WAR among National League pitchers. He led all qualified pitchers with 858 1/3 innings pitched since 2019, including consecutive 200-plus innings from 2021-22.
Boston’s rumored interest in Alcántara comes amidst a mulling a six-man rotation with a revamped pitching staff. The Red Sox boasts a mix of established and emerging talent, including Brayan Bello, who signed a six-year extension last season, and Crochet, who is reportedly in extension talks.
Additionally, Boston’s rotation features Walker Buehler, Lucas Giolito and Patrick Sandoval, though all three are on one-year deals. This creates uncertainty about the long-term composition of their pitching staff. Complementing the rotation are versatile arms like Tanner Houck, Kutter Crawford and Garrett Whitlock, who contribute to various roles.
“We’re very, very open to a number of solutions,” Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said in late December. “I don’t think it’s possible to have too much starting pitching depth, and we know we’re going to call on more than just five guys — whether that’s right out of the gates or at some point during the season. But the schedule early in the season potentially lends itself to maybe using a sixth starter.”
Adding Alcántara would bring stability and elite talent to the rotation, especially considering the potential for significant turnover after this season. With Alcántara under contract through 2027, acquiring him would align well with the team’s long-term outlook. However, it’s important to note that he is another post-Tommy John pitcher. The Red Sox would have Alcántara, Giolito, and Buehler all attempting to regain their form at the same time. Despite this, the rotation would have unparalleled upside.
Main Photo: © Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
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