The Boston Red Sox may be preparing for significant roster changes this offseason. Reports indicate the team has extended a contract offer to star outfielder Juan Soto and is also interested in top-tier free-agent pitchers like Corbin Burnes, Blake Snell, and Max Fried. Additionally, the Red Sox could explore blockbuster trades to strengthen their roster. Thomas Gauvain of FanSided suggested a potential deal with the St. Louis Cardinals involving a five-player trade that would send Nolan Arenado, Ryan Helsley, pitching prospect Gordon Graceffo, and $15 million to Boston. In return, the Cardinals would acquire Boston prospects Yoeilin Cespedes and Richard Fitts.
“The Cardinals get a lottery ticket prospect in Cespedes and a pitcher with some assurance in Fitts,” Gauvain wrote. “In exchange, Boston gets their defensive-minded third baseman, a reliable reliever, and a pitching prospect who can fill in the rotation when necessary. They also get some cash to offset the difference in salary between the players.”
Trade rumors involving Nolan Arenado have been growing as the St. Louis Cardinals look to rebuild following a disappointing 2024 season. Arenado, a 10-time Gold Glove winner, 8-time All-Star, and 5-time Silver Slugger, has a full no-trade clause from the eight-year, $260 million extension he signed with the Colorado Rockies in 2019. However, he could be willing to waive it for a contender like the Red Sox. Acquiring Arenado might allow Boston to shift star slugger Rafael Devers to first base, reducing his defensive burden and potentially improving the team’s overall defense. The Red Sox are also likely to have strong interest in Ryan Helsley, the reigning National League Reliever of the Year, especially with Kenley Jansen set to explore free agency. Helsley notched 49 saves, the most in Major League Baseball, and earned his second All-Star selection in 2024. In this potential trade, the Red Sox would hold on to their top prospects, including Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer, Kristian Campbell, and Kyle Teel, who may be considered untouchable in trade talks.
Lastly, Gordon Graceffo, a right-handed pitcher who is just outside the Cardinals’ top-10 ranked prospects, could potentially earn a spot in Boston’s major league rotation in 2025.
“Graceffo, 24, was once a top organizational prospect, but he’s fallen from grace a bit,” Gauvain wrote. “He could be a viable bullpen or back-end starting pitcher for Boston.” Coming off a .500 campaign, the Red Sox have a number of issues to resolve. This deal might help them address a number of problems at once.
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