The Boston Red Sox were at the center of the MLB Winter Meetings on Wednesday.
Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow pulled off a major trade, dealing four prospects, including the highly rated Kyle Teel, to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for standout starting pitcher Garrett Crochet. Breslow also executed a minor trade with the New York Yankees later in the day to acquire a possible backup catcher.
But even after obtaining Crochet, Boston might not be done making seismic moves. In fact, trading for Crochet might just signal the Red Sox are poised to continue altering their roster in a big way.
“One rival executive pointed out in trading for Crochet that the Red Sox would not part ways with their two most-recent first-round picks if they were not committed to winning and predicted bigger moves are on the horizon for the Red Sox,” The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey, Ken Rosenthal and Chad Jennings wrote.
What exactly would the Red Sox target if they want to make a sizable free agent signing or orchestrate another blockbuster trade? The Athletic reported that starting pitching still “remains a priority” for the franchise even after adding Crochet.
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Boston has been heavily linked to star free agent Corbin Burnes and it reportedly was “readying” an offer to him Tuesday night. One MLB insider believes Boston’s pursuit of Burnes may die down now that it has Crochet.
There also have been rumors about the Red Sox dipping back into the trade market and partnering with the Seattle Mariners for another pitcher. Luis Castillo and George Kirby are two names that have been floated out there.
The Red Sox could also bring in a key piece by signing veteran infielder Alex Bregman. It appears the Red Sox reportedly are one of four teams, including the rival New York Yankees, attempting to sign Bregman.
The Winter Meetings officially wrap up Thursday, giving Breslow and the rest of Boston’s brass another chance to make a notable addition before leaving Dallas.
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