The Boston Red Sox are actively exploring trade opportunities to enhance their roster for the 2026 season following a disappointing exit from the postseason. On November 25, the team acquired pitcher Sonny Gray and cash from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for two pitchers and a player to be named later. This move highlights the Red Sox’s urgent need for more than just a veteran arm, especially after their swift elimination by the New York Yankees in the wild-card series.
Despite the challenges, the future looks promising for Boston. The emergence of former top prospect Roman Anthony this season has added a spark to the lineup. Anthony’s debut showcased his potential, but the Red Sox require additional veteran talent to support their young roster. The departure of franchise icon Rafael Devers in June left a significant void in offensive production that the team has yet to adequately fill. For Boston to improve on their third-place finish in the AL East in 2025, securing a proven bat is essential.
Several players are currently under consideration for trade, with outfielders Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu frequently mentioned in discussions. However, three additional trade candidates could provide value for the team.
Ceddanne Rafaela: Defensive Asset on the Market
Center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela is a prime candidate for teams looking to bolster their outfield defense. At just 25 years old, Rafaela won the first Gold Glove Award of his career in 2025. He played in 156 games, posting a batting average of .249 with a .295 on-base percentage, alongside 16 home runs and 63 runs batted in (RBI). Although his RBI total fell from 75 in 2024, he improved his on-base percentage and reduced his strikeouts from 151 to 117. Since making his debut in August 2023, Rafaela has demonstrated versatility, playing shortstop and second base in addition to his primary outfield position. His defensive skills and emerging offensive capabilities make him an appealing option for contending teams.
Marcelo Mayer: High-Potential Infielder
Infielder Marcelo Mayer, drafted fourth overall in the 2021 MLB Draft, also presents an intriguing trade possibility. After battling injuries in the minor leagues, the 22-year-old made his long-awaited debut in May. He finished the season with a batting average of .228 and a .674 on-base plus slugging (OPS), recording 13 extra-base hits and 10 RBI before suffering a right wrist sprain that sidelined him for the remainder of the year. Despite his limited experience with only 136 plate appearances, Mayer’s high ceiling could attract interest from teams looking for a talented young infielder. He will turn 23 on December 12, providing ample time for development.
Brayan Bello: A Promising Pitching Option
With the addition of Gray to the rotation, Brayan Bello may find himself as the odd man out. The 26-year-old right-hander enjoyed a breakout season in 2025, achieving a 3.35 earned run average (ERA) over 166.2 innings, which included 124 strikeouts. Notably, Bello threw his first career complete game in July against the Colorado Rockies, showcasing his potential as a starting pitcher. While he has faced some injury challenges, his impressive performance and upside could make him a valuable asset in a trade aimed at acquiring a strong offensive player.
As the Red Sox look to reshape their lineup, the possibility of trading Bello could be on the table. Additionally, the team has expressed interest in acquiring Joe Ryan, further indicating their commitment to enhancing their roster for the coming season.
With a clear focus on improvement, the Boston Red Sox are poised to make strategic moves this offseason, aiming to return to contention in the highly competitive AL East.
