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Red Sox among ''best fits'' for these trade candidates, MLB insiders say

Red Sox Eye Major Trade Targets for 2025: Breaking Down ESPN's Jeff Passan’s Best Fits

As the Boston Red Sox look ahead to the 2025 season, the front office faces mounting pressure to bolster a roster that has shown flashes of potential but struggled with consistency, particularly in the pitching department. With a young core emerging and a fanbase eager for a return to contention, the offseason trade market presents a golden opportunity to address key weaknesses. ESPN insider Jeff Passan recently outlined several intriguing trade candidates who could be ideal fits for the Red Sox, emphasizing players whose skills align with Boston's needs for starting pitching depth, bullpen reliability, and perhaps even some offensive firepower. In this analysis, we'll dive deep into Passan's recommendations, exploring why each player could thrive at Fenway Park and how they might reshape the team's trajectory.

At the forefront of Passan's list is the pursuit of established starting pitchers, a perennial need for the Red Sox after seasons plagued by injuries and inconsistency in the rotation. One standout candidate is Sonny Gray, the veteran right-hander currently with the St. Louis Cardinals. Gray, known for his crafty pitching style and ability to induce weak contact, represents the kind of experienced arm that could stabilize Boston's staff. Passan highlights Gray's command and durability as perfect complements to the Red Sox's high-octane offense, which often puts pressure on pitchers to keep games close. Trading for Gray would likely require parting with promising prospects, but his track record of performing in high-pressure environments—honed during stints with teams like the Yankees and Twins—makes him a low-risk, high-reward option. Imagine Gray slotting into the rotation alongside emerging talents like Brayan Bello and Tanner Houck; it could transform the Red Sox from playoff hopefuls to legitimate contenders in the competitive AL East.

Another pitcher drawing significant attention in Passan's breakdown is Garrett Crochet, the flame-throwing lefty from the Chicago White Sox. Crochet's transition from reliever to starter has been one of the more compelling stories in recent MLB seasons, and Passan notes his electric stuff as a potential game-changer for Boston. With a fastball that touches triple digits and a devastating slider, Crochet could provide the strikeout punch the Red Sox have lacked. However, Passan cautions that his innings limitations and injury history might necessitate a careful workload management plan. For the Red Sox, acquiring Crochet would signal a bold investment in upside, especially given his youth and contract control. Pairing him with Boston's analytics-driven pitching development team could unlock even greater potential, turning him into a cornerstone of the rotation for years to come. The trade cost might be steep—perhaps involving outfield prospects or mid-tier arms—but Passan argues it's a move that aligns perfectly with chief baseball officer Craig Breslow's vision of building a sustainable winner.

Passan doesn't stop at starters; he also identifies relievers who could fortify the Red Sox bullpen, which has been a revolving door of inconsistency. Devin Williams, the Milwaukee Brewers' closer, emerges as a prime target. Renowned for his unhittable changeup, Williams has established himself as one of the game's elite late-inning weapons. Passan points out that Boston's bullpen woes, exacerbated by injuries to key arms like Kenley Jansen in past seasons, make Williams an ideal fit. His ability to miss bats and handle high-leverage situations would provide manager Alex Cora with a reliable option in the ninth inning, potentially shortening games and preserving leads generated by the team's potent lineup. Trading for Williams might involve sending over a package including position players or lower-level prospects, but the immediate impact on Boston's win probability in close contests could be profound. Passan envisions Williams as the missing piece that elevates the Red Sox from a fringe playoff team to one capable of deep postseason runs.

Shifting gears to position players, Passan explores options that could address Boston's outfield depth and right-handed hitting needs. One intriguing name is Luis Robert Jr., the dynamic center fielder from the White Sox. Robert's combination of power, speed, and defensive prowess makes him a five-tool talent, and Passan suggests he could thrive in Fenway's quirky dimensions. With Jarren Duran already patrolling center, Robert might slide to a corner spot, adding athleticism and pop to an outfield that has relied heavily on youth. Passan notes that Robert's injury history is a concern, but his upside in a hitter-friendly park like Fenway could lead to breakout performances. A trade for Robert would likely demand a hefty return, possibly including pitching prospects, but it aligns with Boston's strategy of acquiring controllable stars to complement homegrown talents like Rafael Devers and Triston Casas.

Passan also touches on under-the-radar candidates like Pablo López from the Minnesota Twins, a starter whose pitch mix and consistency could provide rotation stability without the blockbuster price tag of bigger names. López's ability to eat innings and limit hard contact would be a boon for a Red Sox team that has seen its starters falter in the middle innings. Similarly, Passan mentions reliever Tanner Scott, formerly of the San Diego Padres, as a left-handed setup man who could bridge the gap to the closer. Scott's high-velocity fastball and slider make him a matchup nightmare, and in Boston, he could form a formidable tandem with other bullpen arms.

Beyond individual players, Passan delves into the broader strategic implications for the Red Sox. He emphasizes that Boston's farm system, bolstered by recent drafts and international signings, gives them the ammunition to pursue these trades without mortgaging the future. Prospects like Marcelo Mayer, Roman Anthony, and Kyle Teel are seen as untouchable, but mid-tier talents could be dangled to land impact players. Passan warns, however, that the Red Sox must act decisively; rivals like the Yankees and Orioles are also active in the market, and missing out on key targets could leave Boston playing catch-up yet again.

Financially, the Red Sox have flexibility after shedding some contracts, allowing them to absorb salaries in trades. Passan points out that owner John Henry's willingness to spend—evident in past pursuits of stars like Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts—could extend to the trade deadline, but the focus now is on sustainable growth rather than short-term splurges. Integrating these trade acquisitions with internal developments, such as the continued maturation of Ceddanne Rafaela and the potential return of injured players like Trevor Story, could create a balanced roster poised for success.

In wrapping up his analysis, Passan underscores the urgency for the Red Sox. After missing the playoffs in recent years, the organization is at a crossroads. Trading for the right fits—be it Gray's veteran savvy, Crochet's raw talent, or Williams' closing dominance—could reignite the passion at Fenway and position Boston as a force in 2025. Fans, still stinging from the departures of franchise icons, deserve a team that competes at the highest level. As the winter meetings approach, all eyes will be on Breslow and his team to make the moves that turn potential into reality.

This offseason represents more than just transactions; it's about restoring the Red Sox's identity as innovators and winners. Passan's insights provide a roadmap, but execution will determine whether Boston rises or remains mired in mediocrity. With the right trades, the 2025 season could mark the beginning of a new era in Beantown, one filled with October baseball and championship aspirations. As the trade winds blow, the Red Sox have the tools to capitalize—now it's time to make it happen. (Word count: 1,048)

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