The Boston Red Sox are full of rumors this time of year, especially regarding their interest, but with a new leader at the helm, it’s time to stop being the interest kings and make moves that improve the ball club.
Today, a report surfaced that the Philadelphia Phillies may be interested in trading OF/DH Nick Castellanos, and the Red Sox are rumored to be interested as it fits the need they are looking for of a right-handed bat and someone who could play the field but also be a designated hitter if needed.
Another rumor for the Red Sox is that teams are all over the idea of trading for Alex Verdugo. One team that is rumored to be heavily active is the New York Yankees, who have made it no secret that they want to add two outfielders this offseason. The Yankees had an interest in Verdugo earlier in the season, and the reported offer included RHP Clarke Schmidt, which is something the Red Sox are looking for in pitching, but does Schmidt fit what Craig Breslow is looking to build?
The Red Sox are also reportedly interested in the Yankees’ second baseman, Gleyber Torres, who could be the guy they are trying to acquire if they trade Verdugo to New York. Torres could fill the second base and right-handed bat role.
Rumors By The Numbers
Nick Castellanos
Castellanos, in 11 seasons, has a slash line of .276/.324/.475 with a .799 OPS; he has 342 doubles, 37 triples, 210 home runs, 762 RBI, 675 runs scored, 32 stolen bases, and 359 walks. Last season with the Phillies, he slashed .272/.311/.476 with a .788 OPS; he had 37 doubles, two triples, 29 home runs, 106 RBI, 79 runs scored, 11 stolen bases, and 36 walks. In the playoffs this year, he hit .213 with five home runs and seven RBI.
Alex Verdugo
Verdugo has been speculated to be traded this offseason after coming over a season in which he started off hot but cooled off in the second half; he ended up slashing .264/.324/.412 with a .745 OPS; he had 37 doubles, five triples, 13 home runs, 54 RBI, 81 runs scored, five stolen bases, and 45 walks. He was the Red Sox best defender in 2023, as he finished with a .990 fielding percentage and only committed three errors in 140 games in right field.
Clarke Schmidt
Schmidt, in 2023, appeared in 33 games, with 32 of those being starts; he went 9-9 with a 4.64 ERA, a 4.42 FIP, a 1.35 WHIP, a 1.4 HR/9, a 2.6 BB/9, and an 8.4 K/9. He is 14-15 in his career with a 4.36 ERA, a 4.26 FIP, a 1.36 WHIP, a 1.2 HR/9, a 3.1 BB/9, and an 8.6 K/9.
Gleyber Torres
Torres, in his career, posts a slash line of .267/.334/.454 with a .789 OPS; he has 128 doubles, four triples, 123 home runs, 378 RBI, 380 runs scored, 49 stolen bases, and 268 walks. In 2023, he slashed .273/.347/.453 with a .800 OPS; he had 28 doubles, two triples, 25 home runs, 68 RBI, 90 runs scored, 13 stolen bases, and 67 walks in 158 games.
Bottom Line:
Adding Castellanos to the Red Sox lineup makes a lot of sense, and he could pepper the green monster. I also like the idea of trading Verdugo and acquiring Torres instead of Schmidt, but if the possibility is acquiring both, then why not? It could address two needs, but I wouldn’t say I like the idea of trading with the Yankees. Things for the Red Sox are heating up as the stove gets hot.
