JUST IN: Red Sox-Cubs Swings Another Blockbuster Trade
The Boston Red Sox have been heavily linked to star infielder Alex Bregman throughout the offseason. If acquired, Bregman could take over as the team’s primary third baseman, allowing Rafael Devers to shift to first base in a rotation with Triston Casas. Alternatively, he could fill the void at second base, keeping Devers at third and Casas at first. Regardless of the alignment, Bregman would significantly bolster the Red Sox’s defense while providing the much-needed right-handed bat they seek.
However, Boston is no longer considered a frontrunner for Bregman. Instead, the Houston Astros have re-emerged as the favorites to retain him, making a Red Sox signing less likely.
Given this development, Boston may explore alternative options by leveraging its deep farm system to execute a blockbuster trade for another power hitter.
Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki has been the subject of trade speculation throughout the offseason. With $19 million owed to him in both 2025 and 2026, the Cubs may look to move his contract, particularly given their surplus of outfield talent. A potential destination could be the Boston Red Sox, who might acquire Suzuki in exchange for a package of prospects.
Acquiring Seiya Suzuki would be a significant boost for the Red Sox, even though they aren’t in dire need of outfielders. His right-handed power bat would provide a much-needed lift to Boston’s lineup, which struggled with power production last season. In 2023, Suzuki posted an impressive .283/.366/.482 slash line with 21 home runs and 27 doubles. With the Red Sox, he could split time between the outfield and the designated hitter role.
This deal would provide the Red Sox with a much-needed right-handed power bat in Suzuki, while the Cubs offload his salary and add two young prospects to their farm system.
In this potential trade scenario, the Cubs would receive a package of prospects, including 22-year-old shortstop Mikey Garcia and 19-year-old outfielder Nazzan Zanetello.
Garcia had a standout 2023 season, slashing .286/.356/.536 across 107 Minor League games. After starting in Low-A, he quickly earned promotions to High-A and then Double-A, where he hit .263/.320/.386 in 30 games. He is expected to begin 2024 in Triple-A, with a big-league call-up likely in 2025.
Zanetello, on the other hand, has struggled early in his professional career, slashing .157/.284/.274 in 91 games. However, at just 19 years old, he has the raw tools and time to develop into a promising player.
This hypothetical trade would be mutually beneficial—Boston would add a proven power hitter without significantly impacting their farm system, while Chicago would gain young talent and clear Suzuki’s salary from their books.
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