Trade Pitch Moves Athletics’ Mason Miller to Red Sox
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Diverging Reports Breakdown
Cubs to ‘Aggressively’ Pursue Starting Pitching and Bullpen at Trade Deadline
Cubs to ‘Aggressively’ Pursue Starting Pitching and Bullpen at Trade Deadline. The Cubs are expected to be one of the most aggressive teams at the MLB trade deadline. With a stacked offense, the Cubs will look to improve their bullpen and add a top-end starting pitcher available on the market. This comes after the Cubs’ bullpen had the best ERA in baseball among bullpens in May, with an impressive 2.37 ERA. But, there is still concern over the long-term viability of the bullpen, especially if the Cubs don’t add an arm like Mason Miller or Pete Fairbanks.
After a strong start to the 2025 season, the Chicago Cubs are sitting atop the National League Central. The reason for such early-season success has been the incredible offense the Cubs have put together. But, there is still a need to improve the pitching staff, both in the rotation and the bullpen.
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According to a new report from Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Cubs are expected to be one of the most aggressive teams at the MLB trade deadline. Nighengale writes, “The Cubs are seeking a front-line starter and relievers,” as the teams trade targets.
With Justin Steele done for the year, Javier Assad dealing with a setback in his recovery, and Shota Imanaga also banged up, the Cubs have a clear need in the starting rotation.
There may not be a lot of options on the table at starting pitcher, but the Cubs have the Minor League prospects to beat out the competition for a top-of-the-line starter available on the market.
Chicago Cubs pitcher Justin Steele (35) looks on after throwing a pitch against the Athletics during the second inning at Sutter Health Park.Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
After Corbin Burnes suffered a season-ending injury, the Arizona Diamondbacks could move Zac Gallen or Merrill Kelly at the trade deadline. If the Boston Red Sox fall out of it, they could move Walker Buehler. There will be options available, but the Cubs will have competition for those arms.
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The same goes for the Cubs’ desire to aggressively pursue bullpen help. This comes after the Cubs’ bullpen had the best ERA in baseball among bullpens in May, with an impressive 2.37 ERA.
Even more impressive, the Cubs’ bullpen since April 19th has been the best in baseball, allowing the lowest ERA (2.46), the fewest home runs allowed (7), the lowest batting average (.191), and the lowest WHIP (1.04).
Despite the Cubs’ bullpen putting together such a strong stretch, there is still concern over the long-term viability of the bullpen. Adding an arm, especially a top-end talent like Mason Miller or Pete Fairbanks, would elevate the Cubs’ bullpen ever further.
After a great start to the year, the Cubs are expected to be aggressive at the MLB trade deadline. With a stacked offense, the Cubs will look to improve their bullpen and add one of the top starting pitchers available on the market.
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Related: Trade Proposal Would Send Sandy Alcantara to the Cubs for Two Prospects
Related: Chicago Cubs Get Bad News on Paul Skenes Trade After Latest Rumors
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Beantown Rundown: 3 moves Red Sox must make amid mediocre 2025 season
The Boston Red Sox entered the 2025 season with heightened expectations. The team has struggled through the first 70 games of the season. Red Sox manager Alex Cora has struggled to figure out the best possible configuration for the team. Here are three moves the team could make in order to get back on track.Trade Wilyer Abreu for pitching help. Send Kristian Campbell back to Triple-A when Alex Bregman gets healthy. trade Edward Cabrera for a young, controllable outfielder.. Move Rafael Devers from third base to designated hitter to make room for him in the field. The Red Sox have won their past two series against the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays, but they still have just a 34-36 record heading into another clash against the Yankees this upcoming weekend. It’s time for the Red Sox to get serious about winning the World Series in 2025, and not just for the sake of it, but for the long-term future of the team as well, too.
The Boston Red Sox entered the 2025 season with heightened expectations, but to this point, they have failed to meet them. While they have won their past two series against the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays, the Red Sox still have just a 34-36 record heading into another clash against the Yankees this upcoming weekend.
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Boston has dealt with a slew of issues through their first 70 games of the season. They’ve been hit hard with injuries since the get-go, and while they have an assortment of talent at their disposal, manager Alex Cora has struggled to figure out the best possible configuration for this team, particularly when it comes to their lineup. It also hasn’t helped that the team’s franchise player, Rafael Devers, has been unwilling to play in the field after making the move from third base to designated hitter before the start of the season.
The Red Sox don’t have a shortage of talent, but their roster is extremely unbalanced, and it’s going to be up to the front office to sort things out over the coming weeks in order to help the team for the rest of this season and for the long-term future. With that in mind, let’s take a look at three moves the team could make moving forward in an effort to get back on track.
Trade Wilyer Abreu for pitching help
Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Easily the biggest position crunch on the Red Sox roster is the outfield. Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Wilyer Abreu all are starting-caliber players, and Rob Refsnyder is a great platoon player who can fill in against left-handed pitchers. That made it virtually impossible to promote Roman Anthony, the No. 1 prospect in baseball, until Abreu hit the injured list with an oblique strain.
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Now that Anthony is in the majors, it seems unlikely he’s going back to the minors unless he struggles mightily. That means somebody from the aforementioned four-man crew is going to get squeezed out of the picture. Duran, Rafaela, and Abreu have all popped up in trade rumors, but it seems like dealing away the ailing Abreu makes the most sense for the time being.
After a blistering hot start to the season, Abreu has cooled off as of late, but he’s still hitting .245 with 13 home runs and 32 RBIs on the year, and he is a strong defender in right field who won a Gold Glove Award last season. Realistically, any of these guys could be dealt if it brings pitching back in return, but it feels like right field is Anthony’s best spot in the outfield, which makes Abreu the easiest player of this group to trade away.
Send Kristian Campbell back to Triple-A when Alex Bregman gets healthy
Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Another guy who enjoyed a hot start to the season, only to cool off dramatically, is Kristian Campbell. A member of the Red Sox “big three,” Campbell won the starting second base job in Spring Training, and enjoyed a hot start that immediately earned him an eight-year, $60 million contract extension. Initially, that looked like a steal, but Campbell has struggled mightily over the past month-and-a-half of the season.
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Campbell is hitting just .230 with six home runs and 21 RBIs, with most of his production coming during the first weeks of the season. In his past 33 games, his batting average is sitting at an ugly .161, with just two homers and nine runs batted in over that stretch. Simply put, Campbell looks like a guy who could benefit from destroying pitchers in Triple-A for a couple of weeks.
Beyond that, Campbell has also been one of the worst defensive second baseman in the league, but the problem is that right now, Boston needs him in the majors. That will change once Alex Bregman gets healthy, which would allow Marcelo Mayer to shift from third base to second base. And once he comes back from the injured list, Campbell should be the guy who gets sent back down to the minors for the time being.
Trade for Edward Cabrera
Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Boston’s bullpen has received a lot of grief this season, but truthfully, the team’s starting rotation is their biggest issue. Garrett Crochet has pitched like a Cy Young candidate, but pretty much every other starter has been awful. Walker Buehler and Lucas Giolito both have ERAs over five, Tanner Houck’s is sitting at 8.04, and Kutter Crawford hasn’t even pitched this year. Brayan Bello’s 3.96 ERA is respectable at least, but he’s spent the majority of his outings dancing out of trouble.
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If the Red Sox buy at the trade deadline, they need starting pitching. For the majority of the year, Sandy Alcantara of the Miami Marlins has been regarded as the top starting pitcher set to be available, but he has a 7.14 ERA through 13 starts, which is precisely what this team does not need. The guy Boston should target from Miami instead is Edward Cabrera.
In a way, the Sox already have their version of Cabrera on their team in Bello, but when Cabrera is on, he’s a strikeout machine who is nearly unhittable. The problem with him has always been his command, but his walks per nine innings is the lowest of his career (3.8). He probably won’t cost as much as Alcantara, and after giving up a big package to acquire Crochet, this feels like a much more appropriate move for the front office to make considering the circumstances.
Related: Red Sox rookie responds to New York Post calling BS on Yankees claims
Related: Red Sox trade with Twins to boost pitching depth
MLB trade targets to address the biggest need for each contending team
The MLB trade deadline is seven weeks away. Front office executives have begun to call and text their counterparts to get an idea of early needs and possible trade targets for each team. Only five teams are 10 games or more out of a wild-card spot right now, and none of them have a lot to dangle at the trade deadline. Most of the contending clubs will be waiting to see what direction — buying or selling — teams like the Orioles, Braves, Red Sox, Rangers and Diamondbacks are going. At this stage it’s unclear which players ultimately will be available, but the trade market will offer plenty of possibilities. The Mets’ biggest need appears to be bullpen depth and my favorite option would be Seth Halvorsen, a right-handed reliever. The Cubs could use one more starting pitcher and Zac Gallen would be the perfect target. The Dodgers are not expected to be active at theTrade deadline, if they’re able to get their roster healthy. The Nationals could add yet another starter or closer to their lineup.
Only five teams are 10 games or more out of a wild-card spot right now — the Athletics, White Sox, Pirates, Marlins and Rockies — and none of them have a lot to dangle at the trade deadline. That means most of the contending clubs will be waiting to see what direction — buying or selling — teams like the Orioles, Braves, Red Sox, Rangers and Diamondbacks are going. Those latter five clubs are loaded with talent to make game-changing trades, for themselves and contenders, but at this stage it’s unclear which players ultimately will be available.
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Although lots of conversations are happening now, there probably won’t be a flurry of trades until after the All-Star break (at least). But that hasn’t stopped contending teams from getting their target lists ready, their scouts in the field evaluating players and their analytic departments hard at work, anticipating who might become available if some of these teams falter over the coming weeks.
After reaching out to decision-makers from each of the clear contending teams to learn their biggest needs, I thought it would be fun to identify possible trade targets they could consider as well as a single “favorite target” for each club (with two exceptions, noted below). Let’s start to mull how these contenders could approach the deadline.
National League division leaders
New York Mets — NL East
Biggest need: Bullpen depth
Possible targets: Shelby Miller, Diamondbacks; Seth Halvorsen, Rockies; Dennis Santana, Pirates
Favorite target: Seth Halvorsen
The Mets’ biggest need appears to be bullpen depth and, as usual, the trade market will offer plenty of possibilities. My favorite option would be Halvorsen, a right-handed reliever who has a 4.91 ERA over 26 appearances and three saves for the Rockies. His fastball averages 100.1 mph. He also ranks in the 78th percentile in off-speed run value, the 92nd percentile in ground-ball rate, and the 90th percentile in extension. Halvorsen, 25, made his major-league debut in 2024 and finished last season with a 1.46 ERA in 12 outings. Wait until the Mets’ analytics and pitching experts get a hold of him.
Chicago Cubs — NL Central
Biggest need: Starting pitcher
Possible targets: Merrill Kelly, Diamondbacks; Zac Gallen, Diamondbacks; Jeffrey Springs, Athletics; Edward Cabrera, Marlins; Tyler Mahle, Rangers; Kyle Freeland, Rockies; Andrew Heaney, Pirates; Trevor Williams, Nationals
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Favorite target: Zac Gallen
The Cubs could use one more starting pitcher and Gallen would be the perfect target even though he’s having a down year (4-8 with a 5.15 ERA). Two years ago, he was the starting pitcher for the NL All-Star team and finished third in the Cy Young Award voting. Last year, he went 14-6 with a 3.65 ERA. Gallen would need to have three to four strong starts before the deadline for the Diamondbacks to get the strong prospect package they’d want, but if they fall further out of contention, they might have to trade the impending free agent. He needs to improve the command and late finish on his fastball to get back to where he needs to be.
Los Angeles Dodgers — NL West
Biggest need: Getting their roster healthy
The Dodgers are not expected to be active at the trade deadline, if they’re able to get their roster healthy. Three of their top starting pitchers — Blake Snell, Shohei Ohtani and Tyler Glasnow, not to mention Roki Sasaki — are currently rehabbing, trying to work back from injuries. That’s three top-of-the-rotation starters, along with a rookie who is viewed as having that type of ceiling as well. If the Dodgers can get that trio healthy and maintain the health of their current rotation that includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Clayton Kershaw and Dustin May, they really won’t need any more pitching help considering some of their starters would be moving to the bullpen to provide more depth for that unit. In addition, their lineup doesn’t have any glaring needs, and they have the position player depth to withstand injuries.
For now, I didn’t list trade targets for the Dodgers. However, they have endured a rash of pitching injuries, and if they get closer to the deadline and don’t have more of their top pitchers healthy or closer to returning, they could add yet another starter.
Top NL wild-card contenders
Félix Bautista, aka The Mountain, would be a big deadline pickup for any bullpen. (Mitchell Layton / Getty Images)
Philadelphia Phillies
Biggest need: High-leverage reliever
Possible targets: Félix Bautista, Orioles; Mason Miller, Athletics; Kenley Jansen, Angels: Kyle Finnegan, Nationals; Aroldis Chapman, Red Sox; David Bednar, Pirates
Favorite target: Félix Bautista
The Phillies’ front office is determined to land a dominant back-end-of-the-bullpen reliever, and I’m sure they will do so before the trade deadline. If the Orioles don’t get back in the race, Bautista could be the Phillies’ best option to take over the ninth inning. Bautista is under team control through 2027 and has a 3.32 ERA and 12 saves this season. He has not allowed a run in six of his past seven appearances and appears to be making progress in getting closer to his pre-Tommy John surgery form.
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San Francisco Giants
Biggest need: Offense, probably 1B or DH
Possible targets: Nathaniel Lowe, Nationals; Yandy Díaz, Rays; Josh Naylor, Diamondbacks; Ryan O’Hearn, Orioles; Ryan Mountcastle, Orioles; Jorge Soler, Angels
Favorite target: Ryan O’Hearn
The Giants’ biggest need is at first base after designating LaMonte Wade Jr. for assignment and replacing him with journeyman Dominic Smith. Their long-term solution at first base is top prospect Bryce Eldridge, but the 20-year-old was just promoted to Triple A and is not ready for the majors. Therefore, their targets for first base or DH will be limited to shorter-term solutions, though Eldridge should be ready either in September or sometime next season. O’Hearn, 31, is my favorite target for the Giants because he’s been the Orioles’ most consistent player, slashing .316/.397/.500 with nine homers, 24 RBIs and a 158 OPS+. An impending free agent, O’Hearn could be a perfect short-term solution as a bridge to Eldridge, or even a long-term solution as the future DH of the Giants if they decided to extend him.
San Diego Padres
Biggest need: Left fielder
Possible targets: Taylor Ward, Angels; Jesús Sánchez, Marlins; Jarren Duran, Red Sox; Kyle Stowers, Marlins; Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Diamondbacks; Adolis García, Rangers
Favorite target: Jarren Duran
The Padres have been trying to mix and match in left field since Jurickson Profar departed in free agency to the Braves. They would like to find a longer-term solution. Enter Duran, who last season led the AL in doubles and triples while hitting 21 homers and stealing 34 bases. He got off to a slow start this year but is batting .271 with 18 doubles, seven triples, four homers and 13 steals. The Padres are again targeting Duran, league sources told The Athletic’s Dennis Lin, which makes sense considering the Red Sox have his replacement, Roman Anthony, the best prospect in baseball, ready to step in. However, Boston needs starting pitching help in return, and the Padres really don’t have that to offer. They could dangle their top prospects, but I’m not sure Boston would bite on that type of offer for Duran, who is under team control through 2028. A more realistic trading partner for San Diego could end up being the Angels with Taylor Ward, who has 18 homers and 45 RBIs, but he doesn’t get on base (.261 OBP) and profiles as an average type of player.
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St. Louis Cardinals
Biggest need: “We just have to play”
The Cardinals have been one of the biggest surprise teams in baseball and appear to be legitimate postseason contenders. And it’s interesting how they’ve been getting the job done — with solid consistency in the starting rotation and lineup, from top to bottom. Outside of second baseman Brendan Donovan, they don’t appear to have another All-Star on the team, and yet everyone seems to contribute just enough to win games. The Cardinals don’t have any glaring needs, nor do they appear to have the financial resources or top prospects they’d want to trade to make a splash at the deadline. So, if nothing changes between now and then and they stay in the race, don’t expect big moves from their front office. Instead, the Cardinals want their young major-league players to continue to develop, and could follow that path rather than look for reinforcements. For that reason, I did not list trade targets for them at this point.
Milwaukee Brewers
Biggest need: Bat on the left side of the infield
Possible targets: Eugenio Suárez, Diamondbacks; Miguel Vargas, White Sox; Ryan McMahon, Rockies; Josh Smith, Rangers
Favorite target: Miguel Vargas
On and off the field, the Brewers are missing Willy Adames, who departed in free agency to the Giants (although Adames has struggled mightily in San Francisco). They miss his offense the most and are looking to improve the left side of their infield, either shortstop or third base, with an offensive upgrade. Vargas could be an option because of his versatility; he could play either infield corner or left field, but would be a good fit at third on the Brewers. He is only 25 years old and won’t be arbitration-eligible until 2027. Vargas has a 109 OPS+ with 15 doubles, nine home runs and 29 RBIs this season in 245 plate appearances.
American League division leaders
Eugenio Suárez, who turns 34 next month, will be a free agent after this season. (Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images)
Detroit Tigers — AL Central
Biggest need: Third base
Possible targets: Alec Bohm, Phillies; Eugenio Suárez, Diamondbacks; Ke’Bryan Hayes, Pirates; Ryan McMahon, Rockies; Bo Bichette, Blue Jays
Favorite target: Eugenio Suárez
Suárez began his major-league career with the Tigers in 2014, so it would only be fitting if he returned for the back end of his career to help the Tigers get to the World Series. He is batting .228 with a .303 on-base percentage but has produced 18 homers and 48 RBIs. An impending free agent, Suárez would help Detroit lengthen its lineup and supply more three-run homers. He has belted 30 or more homers in three of the past four seasons and is on pace to do it again this year.
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New York Yankees — AL East
Biggest need: Second or third base
Possible targets: Brendan Donovan, Cardinals; Brandon Lowe, Rays; Bo Bichette, Blue Jays; Luis Arraez, Padres; Eugenio Suárez, Diamondbacks; Ryan McMahon, Rockies
Favorite target: Luis Arraez
The Yankees would like an offensive upgrade for both DJ LeMahieu and Oswald Peraza and can do so at either second or third base since Jazz Chisholm Jr. is willing to play either position. I like the fit with Donovan because he’s a solid two-way player, but the Cardinals are not interested in moving him since they’re in the race. I think Lowe would be a great fit with his left-handed power and the short porch in right field at Yankee Stadium, but I can’t see the second-place Rays trading him to a division rival in the middle of a pennant race, and I’d say the same thing about Bichette and the Blue Jays. That might leave Arraez as the best realistic fit. Arraez is not a great defender, but he’s won a batting title each of the past three years and would create extra traffic on the bases for New York’s sluggers to drive home. I’m just not sure how the Yankees and Padres would fit as trade partners.
Houston Astros — AL West
Biggest need: Left-handed hitter
Possible targets: Ryan O’Hearn, Orioles; Brandon Lowe, Rays; Jesús Sánchez, Marlins; Jarren Duran, Red Sox; Brendan Donovan, Cardinals; Josh Naylor, Diamondbacks; Luis Arraez, Padres; Lars Nootbaar, Cardinals; Kyle Stowers, Marlins; Josh Smith, Rangers
Favorite target: Brandon Lowe
The Astros could use another left-handed hitter in their lineup. Enter Lowe, who has a 110 OPS+ and 13 home runs this season. He could become the Astros’ everyday second baseman, allowing Jose Altuve to spend all of his time in left field, which is where he should be playing at this stage of his career. Lowe’s contract includes an $11.5 million team option for 2026, so the Astros could control him for two postseason runs. Tampa Bay always needs to get younger and is always open to trading players, like Lowe, when they near free agency.
Top AL wild-card contenders
Tampa Bay Rays
Biggest need: Catcher
Possible targets: Hunter Goodman, Rockies; Keibert Ruiz, Nationals; Dalton Rushing, Dodgers; Gabriel Moreno, Diamondbacks; Agustín Ramirez, Marlins; Drake Baldwin, Braves; Sean Murphy, Braves; Samuel Basallo, Orioles; Ethan Salas, Padres
Favorite target: Sean Murphy
It seems like the Rays are always searching for their long-term solution at catcher but never seem to be able to acquire an impact player for the position, which could happen again this trade deadline. Their best target could be Braves veteran Sean Murphy, who is under team control through 2029. He makes $15 million per year, which should be affordable even for Tampa Bay. The Braves have 24-year-old Drake Baldwin, who should be their everyday catcher, and Atlanta could put the financial savings from dealing Murphy toward acquiring more starting pitching at the deadline. Perhaps the Rays could trade one of their starters for Murphy. He is above average in game-calling, framing, blocking, pop time and throwing, and he also ranks in the 79th percentile in barrel rate.
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Toronto Blue Jays
Biggest need: A starting pitcher
Possible targets: Walker Buehler, Red Sox; Zac Gallen, Diamondbacks; Merrill Kelly, Diamondbacks; Zach Eflin, Orioles; Andrew Heaney, Pirates; Nick Martinez, Reds; Zack Littell, Rays
Favorite target: Merrill Kelly
Kelly has been one of the most underrated, consistent starting pitchers in baseball since 2022, when he went 13-8 with a 3.37 ERA over 33 starts. In 2023, he went 12-8 with a 3.29 ERA. Last year, he battled injuries but still posted a 4.03 ERA over 13 starts. This year, he’s 6-2 with a 3.18 ERA over 14 starts and he’s been healthy aside from some leg issues. He will be a free agent after this season, so it would be a rental for the Blue Jays. If the Diamondbacks decide to sell, they could acquire a couple of mid-level prospects in exchange and then in the offseason look to re-sign Kelly, who prefers to finish his career with Arizona.
The Marlins acquired Kyle Stowers from the Orioles last trade deadline. Would they deal him in the midst of a breakout season? (Leonardo Fernandez / Getty Images)
Minnesota Twins
Biggest need: Left-handed hitter
Possible targets: Lars Nootbaar, Cardinals; Kyle Stowers, Marlins; Jesús Sánchez, Marlins
Favorite target: Kyle Stowers
The Twins are searching for a left-handed hitter and their two best realistic options could end up being Stowers or Sánchez of the Marlins. Stowers is having a breakout season, slashing .280/.347/.479 with eight doubles, 10 home runs, 33 RBIs and a 127 OPS+. He can play either outfield corner and won’t be arbitration-eligible until 2027. The prospect price would be costly, but might be worth it if the Twins can find the right match with Miami.
Cleveland Guardians
Biggest need: Right field
Possible targets: Wilyer Abreu, Red Sox; Taylor Ward; Angels; Bryan Reynolds, Pirates; Adolis García, Rangers, Jesús Sánchez, Marlins
Favorite target: Jesús Sánchez
The Guardians would love to pry Abreu from the Red Sox with the argument that he’s blocking Anthony, the game’s best prospect, but it appears Boston believes there is a scenario where there’s room for both. Reynolds and García are probably too expensive for the Guardians, which might leave Sánchez as the best option. Sánchez, 27, is under team control through 2027 and is making only $4.5 million this year. He is slashing .262/.342/.402 with six doubles, five home runs and six steals over 46 games (187 plate appearances).
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Kansas City Royals
Biggest need: Corner outfielder
Possible targets: Wilyer Abreu, Red Sox; Jesús Sánchez, Marlins; Kyle Stowers, Marlins; Lawrence Butler, Athletics; Bryan Reynolds, Pirates; Taylor Ward, Angels; Adolis García, Rangers; Andy Pages, Dodgers; Heliot Ramos, Giants; Lars Nootbaar, Cardinals; Jordan Walker, Cardinals; Austin Hays, Reds; Miguel Andujar, Athletics; Heston Kjerstad, Orioles; Jorge Soler, Angels
Favorite target: Taylor Ward
The Royals rank last in MLB in home runs and need to add power and length to their lineup. Ward would be a nice fit in left field. He is slashing just .209/.260/.482 but has 12 doubles, 18 homers and 45 RBIs. Combined with the recent promotion of top prospect Jac Caglianone, trading for another power bat could completely change the complexion of their lineup. As good as the Royals’ starting pitching, bullpen, defense and offensive contact is, the right acquisition could be the final piece needed to get them back to the playoffs as a wild-card team.
Seattle Mariners
Biggest need: Corner infielder
Possible targets: Eugenio Suárez, Diamondbacks; Josh Naylor, Diamondbacks; Yandy Díaz, Rays; Alec Bohm, Phillies; Ben Rice, Yankees; Ryan Mountcastle, Orioles; Coby Mayo, Orioles; Ryan O’Hearn, Orioles; Nathaniel Lowe, Nationals
Favorite target: Josh Naylor, Diamondbacks
The Mariners need a corner infield bat and Naylor would be the best trade target. His left-handed power would be a difference-maker in the middle of the Mariners’ lineup and, as an impending free agent, would come with no long-term financial commitment. Naylor is slashing .290/.346/.457 with 15 doubles, eight home runs and 44 RBIs. Last season, he had 27 doubles, 31 home runs and 108 RBIs in helping lead the Guardians to the ALCS. And speaking of Diamondbacks, I also think a reunion with Suárez makes sense for Seattle.
(Top image: Zac Gallen: Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images; Jarren Duran: Brian Fluharty / Getty Images)
What’s Next? 3 Moves Red Sox Could Make After Rafael Devers Trade
The Boston Red Sox traded Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants on Sunday. As part of this deal, the Giants are taking on the remainder of Devers’ 10-year, $313.5 million contract. The Red Sox have the financial flexibility to begin rebuilding their roster immediately. Here are three players the Red Sox could target now that this deal is in the books.. Rhys Hoskins, 1B, Milwaukee Brewers. Mason Miller, RP, Athletics. Aaron Civale, SP, Chicago White Sox.. Ryan Dempster, LHP, Tampa Bay Rays. The Chicago Cubs are reportedly interested in signing Hoskins to a long-term deal, but he’s in the final year of his contract and could be a prime extension candidate for the Red Sale’s team. The Milwaukee Brewers are reportedly considering moving on from Hoskins if they fall out of the playoff race.
As part of this deal, the Giants are taking on the remainder of Devers’ 10-year, $313.5 million contract that kicked in just last season. As a result, the Red Sox have the financial flexibility to begin rebuilding their roster immediately.
That starts on the trade market, where Boston is looking to be a buyer now that they have pushed their record back above .500 with their sweep of the New York Yankees. So with the dust settling on the Devers trade, let’s check out three players the Red Sox could target now that this deal is in the books.
Rhys Hoskins, 1B, Milwaukee Brewers
One of the main points of contention between the Sox front office and Devers was his refusal to help the team at first base after Triston Casas suffered a ruptured patellar tendon that ended his season. Romy Gonzalez and Abraham Toro have held down the fort at first base in the meantime, but a more consistent option would be a welcome sight.
Enter Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Rhys Hoskins, who was getting linked to Boston even before Devers was dealt. Hoskins, who is in the final year of his contract, is hitting .245 with 10 home runs and 37 RBIs for the Brewers so far this season.
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Milwaukee is in the playoff hunt for now, but the team is reportedly considering moving on from Hoskins if they end up falling out of the race. That could lead the Red Sox to not only trade for him, but also potentially extend him to fill Devers’ void at designated hitter moving forward.
Aaron Civale, SP, Chicago White Sox
Boston did add some pitching in Hicks and Harrison from the Giants as part of their Devers deal, but Hicks is on the injured list, and Harrison was assigned to Triple-A. As a result, the pitching staff still needs help, which is where New England native Aaron Civale comes into play.
Civale was just traded from the Brewers to the Chicago White Sox after he requested a trade when the team asked him to move to the bullpen. While it may seem unlikely he gets dealt again, reports indicate the White Sox are looking to flip him again before the trade deadline.
Prior to being sent to Chicago, Civale (who is from Connecticut) made it clear he would like to pitch for the Red Sox before he retires. His numbers this year aren’t great (1-3, 4.67 ERA, 23 K, 1.48 WHIP) but he’s a veteran innings-eater with a track record of success, and he’d be well worth a flier for Boston.
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Mason Miller, RP, Athletics
With Devers gone, the Red Sox need some more star power. Enter Mason Miller, who is one of the most electrifying pitchers in the majors. Boston could certainly use some more help at the backend of their bullpen, and Miller could end up being the most coveted reliever on the trade market.
Miller hasn’t been as effective for the Athletics as he was during his breakout 2024 campaign, as he has an ugly 5.33 ERA in his 25 games of action. He still has 14 saves and 43 strikeouts, though, so if he can reign in his control a bit, he could reach the heights he hit last season.
Aroldis Chapman has done a great job at closer this season for Boston, so that could allow Miller to fill more of a setup role for this team. And at 26 years old, he’d be a prime extension candidate for the Red Sox now that they have quite a bit of money at their disposal with Devers’ deal off their books.
Trade Pitch Moves Athletics’ Mason Miller to Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox placed themselves at the center of MLB trade activity following a blockbuster deal that sent Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants.NESN.com’s Owen Crisafulli believes the team should bolster their bullpen by acquiring Athletics closer Mason Miller. Miller is renowned in baseball circles for his fastball velocity, which consistently hits triple digits. He was the Athletics’ lone representative at the 2024 All-Star Game, his first as a player. The Red Sox already have an established closer in Aroldis Chapman, who is in the midst of one of his better years in the big leagues. The team could find another high-leverage position for Miller in its bullpen.
The Boston Red Sox placed themselves at the center of MLB trade activity following a blockbuster deal that sent designated hitter Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants.
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Strong play as of late – eight wins in their last nine games, including a three-game sweep of the New York Yankees this past weekend – has put the Red Sox firmly in playoff contention once again. Because of this, it is likely that their roster reshuffling is far from over.
NESN.com’s Owen Crisafulli believes the team should bolster their bullpen by acquiring Athletics closer Mason Miller, a star player on a struggling team.
“With Devers gone, the Red Sox need some more star power. Enter Mason Miller, who is one of the most electrifying pitchers in the majors. Boston could certainly use some more help at the backend of their bullpen, and Miller could end up being the most coveted reliever on the trade market,” Crisafulli wrote.
“Miller hasn’t been as effective for the Athletics as he was during his breakout 2024 campaign, as he has an ugly 5.33 ERA in his 25 games of action. He still has 14 saves and 43 strikeouts, though, so if he can reign in his control a bit, he could reach the heights he hit last season.”
Athletics pitcher Mason Miller (19) delivers a pitch against the Kansas City Royals in the ninth inning of the game at Kauffman Stadium.Denny Medley-Imagn Images
The Red Sox already have an established closer in Aroldis Chapman, who is in the midst of one of his better years in the big leagues. Across 33 relief appearances this season, Chapman has a 3-2 record, 1.50 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, 42 strikeouts and 13 saves in 30 innings pitched.
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Crisafulli proposes that the team could find another high-leverage position for Miller in its bullpen.
“Aroldis Chapman has done a great job at closer this season for Boston, so that could allow Miller to fill more of a setup role for this team. And at 26 years old, he’d be a prime extension candidate for the Red Sox now that they have quite a bit of money at their disposal with Devers’ deal off their books,” Crisafulli wrote.
Miller – who is renowned in baseball circles for his fastball velocity, which consistently hits triple digits – is a career 3-7 pitcher with a 3.39 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 42 saves and 187 strikeouts over 124.2 innings pitched. He was the Athletics’ lone representative at the 2024 All-Star Game, his first as a player.
Related: What Red Sox Legend Manny Ramirez Said About Rafael Devers Trade
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
Source: https://athlonsports.com/mlb/boston-red-sox/predicted-to-add-as-flame-throwing-reliever-via-trade