The Boston Red Sox are projected to be strong playoff contenders in 2025 and could benefit from adding another late-inning reliever.
This potential deal would be significant, as the Red Sox would acquire Suarez, who could step in as their closer, in return for three of their top prospects.
Suarez, who signed a five-year, $46 million contract with the Padres, has an opt-out after the 2025 season, which he is likely to exercise. In 2024 with the Padres, he posted a 9-3 record with a 2.77 ERA in 65 appearances and was 36-for-42 in save opportunities.
In exchange, the Red Sox would send Cespedes, a 19-year-old middle infielder and their seventh-ranked prospect, who hit .319 with 5 home runs and 24 RBIs in rookie ball in 2024.
Bleis, ranked 12th in the Red Sox system, is a 21-year-old outfielder who reached A-ball in 2024, where he batted .221 with 11 home runs and 47 RBIs across A+ and A.
Dobbins, a right-handed pitcher and the Red Sox’s 13th-ranked prospect, was drafted in 2021 and reached AAA in 2024. He posted an 8-5 record with a 3.08 ERA in 25 starts.
MLB analyst Zach Pressnell from FanSided proposed a trade in which the Red Sox would acquire Robert Suarez from the San Diego Padres in exchange for four players.
Red Sox receive:
- Robert Suarez
Padres receive:
- Yoeilin Cespedes
- Miguel Bleis
- Hunter Dobbins
Analyst’s Take on the Deal Pressnell argues that although this trade might seem like an overpay, it’s crucial to understand that the Padres have the upper hand in negotiations. Boston urgently needs a closer, and the Padres don’t have to trade Suarez, so acquiring him would require a significant package. Pressnell believes the Red Sox can afford to give up these prospects.
While the deal might be steep, Pressnell suggests that adding a dominant closer like Suarez could dramatically improve Boston’s chances of winning the World Series. He also notes that the Red Sox could likely re-sign Suarez in the offseason after he becomes a free agent.
Red Sox Closer Situation Liam Hendriks and Aroldis Chapman are both vying for the Red Sox’s closer role. Manager Alex Cora has stated that the team won’t announce a definitive closer and might use a committee approach. Both Hendriks and Chapman have been pitching well, with Cora noting that they’ll likely share closing duties depending on game situations.
The Red Sox’s 2025 season begins on March 27 against the Texas Rangers.