If we assume we can predict the Boston Red Sox’s moves this winter, we might be in for some surprises.
Over the past year, the Red Sox have often acted contrary to expectations. The trade of Rafael Devers is the clearest example, but the same pattern applies to acquisitions like Garrett Crochet and Alex Bregman—or even to their minimal activity at the trade deadline.
Many expect the Red Sox to trade an outfielder this offseason, and there’s sound reasoning behind that idea. Still, we shouldn’t be so confident that we know which outfielder will be moved.
On Monday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive reveal that center fielder will leave Boston for another team
“My hot take of the winter is that the Red Sox are going to find Duran’s value to be lower than they expect and Rafaela’s to be much higher than expected across the game,” Cotillo wrote. “Therefore, headlining a trade package with Rafaela — most teams won’t balk at the six years and $48 million (plus a club option) he’s guaranteed — can’t be ruled out.
“Trading the Gold Glover is not Plan A for the Sox but would allow a (left-to-right) outfield of Anthony, Duran (who is better in center than left) and Abreu with someone like Schwarber getting a full load of DH at-bats.”
Ironically enough, Rafaela was announced as the American League Gold Glove winner in center field on Sunday night, and Red Sox right fielder Wilyer Abreu took home the award at his position as well. If the Red Sox were to move on from him, it would be because they’re not confident his bat will ever become consistent enough to make him an All-Star contributor.
To some degree, this all depends on what the market looks like for every individual, as Cotillo suggests. But it would still be a pretty major shock to see Rafaela, who is one of the most valuable defenders in the sport, get traded at age 25.
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