BOSTON, MA — The Boston Red Sox have suddenly and dramatically pushed a bold, three-man trade proposal designed to snatch a three-time All-Star away from a division rival.
After acquiring Sonny Gray in a previous trade, Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow is signaling that Boston is not just contending, but is actively executing a “power shifting gambit” intended to tilt the entire AL East race. The trade rumors are creating a frenzy of speculation as fans sense a massive roster upgrade is imminent.
While trade details are closely guarded, the most compelling rumors and analysis suggest the target is either Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers or Joe Ryan of the Minnesota Twins (two teams the Red Sox often engage with), or potentially a surprise left-field move for an AL East star:
🎯 The Most Likely Target: A Frontline AL Ace
The consistent analysis is that the Red Sox are prioritizing a dominant starter to pair with ace Garrett Crochet, and the biggest names on the trade market are fitting the “three-time All-Star” criteria (or have reached similar elite status):
| Player Name | Current Team | All-Star Status | Red Sox Connection/Reason |
| Tarik Skubal | Detroit Tigers | Two-time AL Cy Young Winner (2024, 2025) | Although the Tigers maintain they won’t trade the ace, the Red Sox are consistently linked, and landing him would instantly give Boston the best 1-2 rotation punch in the AL. |
| Joe Ryan | Minnesota Twins | All-Star (2024) | The Red Sox tried (and failed) to acquire him before the 2025 trade deadline. The Twins are in a potential rebuild, making him an ideal controllable trade piece. |
| Framber Valdez | Houston Astros | Two-time All-Star (2022, 2025) | Recently reported as a top free-agent target, but a trade for the left-hander from the Astros (a non-division rival) for long-term control cannot be ruled out. |
The Three-Man Trade Framework
r, the Red Sox are reportedly willing to move from their surplus and include a combination of controllable, high-value assets:
- A Starting Outfielder: Jarren Duran is consistently tabbed as Boston’s top potential trade candidate. His 3.9 fWAR in 2025 and multiple years of club control make him the centerpiece of any major package.
- A Top Pitching Prospect: A highly-regarded young arm, such as Payton Tolle or Anthony Eyanson, would be required to entice a rebuilding team to part with an established star.
- A Middle-Tier Position Player: A player with high upside but a blocked path to the majors, like a David Hamilton (infielder) or a Wilyer Abreu (outfielder), would round out the package.
Why The Audible is Happening Now
The timing is critical. Following the Toronto Blue Jays’ acquisition of pitcher Dylan Cease, the AL East is tightening up dramatically. Boston’s move to push a blockbuster trade is a direct signal that they will not let their rivals dictate the race.
The next few hours at the Winter Meetings will determine if this aggressive pursuit can successfully dismantle a rival’s roster and deliver the thunder Fenway fans have been waiting for.
