The Boston Red Sox were linked to starting pitcher Garrett Crochet in MLB rumors for weeks before agreeing to terms in January. That was followed by months of speculation that Boston was looking for All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman. With both players on board, the Red Sox management office has identified a new target for the 2025 roster.
Boston has done an outstanding job of upgrading its squad this winter. In addition to Crochet and Bregman, the club added starting pitcher Walker Buehler and reliever Aroldis Chapman. While the starting lineup and pitching staff have been improved, the door is apparently open for another major change.
According to Sean McAdam of MassLive.com, the Red Sox have inquired with the San Diego Padres about a potential Dylan Cease trade. Notably, Boston’s probe into the All-Star pitcher occurred after the organization acquired Crochet from the Chicago White Sox.
Even with the Crochet trade, the Red Sox’s top prospects and extensive farm system would be enough to tempt San Diego. The Padres are seeking a steep price for Cease, especially given that he is only a one-season rental. However, the club’s current position on trading him indicates that a trade would be difficult.
For the time being, however, McAdams reports that the Red Sox front management appears to be testing the waters on Cease, with no actual conversations underway. While this is simply Boston doing its “due diligence” right now, the club does reportedly intend to watch the Padres’ situation moving into the season.
If San Diego decides to move Cease, Boston might be in a good position to strike a deal. The Padres desire MLB-ready talent, and many of the Red Sox’s top prospects, including Rom Anthony, Kristian Campbell, Richard Fitts, Hunter Dobbins, and Jhostynxon Garcia, are either major-league ready or might make their debut by the end of the 2025 season.
Acquiring Cease would also reunite him with Crochet, with whom he was teammates in Chicago. It would also add another front-line starter to the Red Sox rotation, giving them a real chance in the American League this season.
