Major League Baseball’s trade deadline approaches, and the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox are at the center of a whirlwind of trade speculation. Both teams are actively exploring various player movements, aiming to bolster their rosters for a postseason push or to retool for future success. The discussions involve a mix of established stars, promising prospects, and players with significant contracts.
Cubs and Red Sox Eyeing Pitching Reinforcements
Both the Cubs and Red Sox are reportedly in the market for starting pitching, with Japanese right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano emerging as a potential target. Sugano, currently with the Baltimore Orioles, boasts a 4-3 record with a 3.07 ERA and 1.02 WHIP this season. His contract expires this year, making him an attractive rental option.
The Cubs, facing injuries to key starters like Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga, are looking to improve their rotation, which ranks 20th in ERA.
The Red Sox, whose starting pitching ERA is among the league’s worst, also seek stability despite Garrett Crochet’s strong performance.
Outfield and Infield Shake-Ups
Trade talks also involve significant position players, with Seiya Suzuki of the Cubs and Masataka Yoshida and Alex Bregman of the Red Sox frequently mentioned.
Seiya Suzuki (Cubs): The Cubs are reportedly open to trading Suzuki, who is set to earn $19 million in each of the next two seasons. The Red Sox, in need of outfield depth, are a potential suitor. A proposed deal could send Suzuki to Boston in exchange for prospects Jhostynxon Garcia and Nazzan Zanetello, along with cash considerations.
Masataka Yoshida (Red Sox): The Red Sox are considering trading Yoshida, who has three years remaining on his five-year, $90 million contract. The Cubs have been identified as a potential landing spot, with suggestions of a trade involving middle infielders like Nico Hoerner or veteran pitcher Drew Smyly.
Alex Bregman (Red Sox): Speculation is growing that the Red Sox might shop third baseman Alex Bregman. The Cubs are considered a prime destination, especially given their need for a third baseman. Acquiring Bregman, who has a $120 million contract, could significantly boost the Cubs’ World Series odds and allow their young infielder Matt Shaw more development time in the minors.
Key Takeaways
Both the Cubs and Red Sox are actively engaged in trade discussions to address roster needs.
Pitching, particularly starting rotation depth, is a priority for both teams.
High-profile position players like Seiya Suzuki, Masataka Yoshida, and Alex Bregman are central to many trade rumors.
The potential trades could involve significant salary dumps, prospect hauls, and strategic roster reconfigurations for both franchises.
Sources
Cubs, Red Sox possible teams who could pursue Tomoyuki Sugano at trade deadline, Sporting News.
Chicago Cubs Move Seiya Suzuki to Boston Red Sox for Prospect Haul in Trade Proposal, Athlon Sports.
Cubs, Red Sox Pushed To Swing $120 Million League-Altering Trade, Newsweek.
Chicago Cubs Are Considered Trade Fit for Boston Red Sox Outfielder, Sports Illustrated.
Cubs Linked To Red Sox’s Polarizing $90 Million 31-Year-Old, Sports Illustrated.
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