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Which top prospects could Red Sox deal away before MLB’s trade deadline?
The Red Sox might have to move a top prospect or two if they're looking to add big-league talent on Thursday.
You’re going to have to give to get when it comes to adding elite talent to your ballclub.
Craig Breslow acknowledged that in December 2024 when he acquired ace Garrett Crochet from the White Sox — albeit for a package of youngsters headlined by a pair of top-100 prospects in Kyle Teel and Braden Montgomery.
And if a resilient Red Sox squad wants to steel itself for a second-half run by adding more talent before Thursday — they’re going to have to pay a steep price once again.
With MLB’s trade deadline set for 6 p.m. on Thursday, the clock is ticking for Breslow to add reinforcements for a Red Sox franchise looking to punch its ticket to the postseason for the first time since 2021.
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Big-league regulars like Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu have already heard their names out on the trade market as Boston weighs trading from an abundance of riches in the outfield to shore up other areas of the roster.
But, with Boston reportedly not looking to move Duran before Thursday, Breslow’s most likely avenue toward adding big-league talent involves harvesting from the team’s fruitful farm system.
It’s unlikely that the Red Sox will trade away one of the top young players in baseball in Roman Anthony, while Marclo Mayer is also on the mend from a wrist injury.
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But, even if those two blue-chip talents are off limits, there are several other names that Breslow and his staff could dangle out on the market in hopes of getting another team to bite.
Here are four prospects the Red Sox could deal away before Thursday’s 6 p.m. deadline.
Jhostynxon Garcia, OF
If there’s a top Red Sox prospect most likely to get moved before Thursday’s deadline, it’s probably Garcia.
That’s not an indictment on the skilled outfielder, who is ranked No. 89 on MLB Pipeline’s top 100 prospects and was tabbed by The Athletic’s Keith Law as the No. 46 prospect in baseball.
But Garcia — who is batting .291 with 12 home runs and 36 RBI in 50 games so far with Worcester — is losing the numbers game in Boston given the logjam the Red Sox are dealing with in their big-league outfield.
Duran has already been mentioned multiple times in trade rumors, largely due to Boston’s glut of outfielders. The Red Sox boast four proven talents between Duran, Anthony, Abreu, and Ceddanne Rafaela — and only three starting spots available.
If Garcia is already facing a steep uphill climb when it comes to even cracking the big-league roster — let alone earn starting reps — it could be good asset management by Boston if they flip the outfielder as part of a return for a starter or relief pitcher.
Kristian Campbell, 2B/OF
The other member of Boston’s “Big Three” prospect trio alongside Anthony and Mayer, it would be a cruel twist of fate if the first of those prospects to make his MLB debut this season was the one sent packing in a blockbuster trade.
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The Red Sox ideally want to hold onto an offensive threat in Campbell, who won AL Rookie of the Month honors in April before his offensive approach at the plate splintered over the next two months.
It’s been an up-and-down year for Campbell, whose defensive struggles and regression at the plate have raised some concerns about whether he’s a franchise fixture in Boston … or a tantalizing trade chip if Boston wants to cut bait.
It was telling that the Red Sox opted to not recall Campbell following Mayer’s wrist injury, with Boston continuing to let the 23-year-old marinate in the minor leagues.
If Campbell regains his form as an impact bat, he’d offer plenty of value to Boston for the foreseeable future, especially given the team-friendly eight-year, $60 million contract he signed this spring.
Campbell could be the centerpiece to a sizable return if Breslow wants to pull the trigger. But, the Red Sox would need to get bowled over by an offer if they realistically plan on letting Campbell go.
Franklin Arias, SS
The Red Sox’ farm system has seemingly already reloaded following the big-league arrivals of Anthony, Mayer, and Campbell.
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And Arias is at the forefront of Boston’s next wave of talented youngsters. The 19-year-old shortstop is already held in high regard by Law — who tabbed the elite-fielding infielder as his No. 9 prospect in baseball despite not advancing beyond High-A Greenville at this stage of his career.
Arias’ blend of elite defensive play, speed, and solid contact rates all paint the picture of a poised youngster who could anchor an infield for the foreseeable future.
But, similar to Garcia, the numbers may not work in Arias’ favor in Boston. With Trevor Story and Mayer already in place, the middle of Boston’s infield is seemingly secure for the next few years — especially if an elite glove like Rafaela also continues to get infield reps.
Beyond that, Arias is still likely a few years away from realistically making a push for the majors — with his development timeline not exactly coinciding with a contention window that might be looking to cash in within the next 3-4 years.
If the Red Sox want to add a cost-controlled player with a term before Thursday evening, a shortstop talent like Arias might be the asking price — and could net a major return.
Payton Tolle, LHP
The Red Sox’s prospect pipeline has been churning out some high-end talent over the last few years.
But for all of the Anthonys, Rafaelas, and other position players now thriving in the big leagues, the Red Sox have been hampered over the years by a dearth of impact pitching coming from within the organization.
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A southpaw like Tolle might be the long-awaited exception, as the lefty has now established himself as Boston’s top pitching prospect after only a short stint within the system.
A second-round pick by Boston in 2024 out of TCU, the 6-foot-6 pitcher is already dominating each new challenge put in front of him. After sporting a 3.62 ERA over 11 games with Low-A Salem this season, Tolle has thrived with Double-A Portland, posting a 1.96 ERA over five appearances (four starts) while striking out 31 batters over 23 innings of work.
Tolle’s strong frame paints the picture of an innings-eating lefty whose floor could have develop into a dependable No. 3 or No. 4 starter in the big leagues. But, his swing-and-miss stuff and strong play against tougher competition offers hope that Tolle could develop into a legitimate top-of-the-rotation force.
That high ceiling could make him an appealing target on Thursday. But by that same token, the Red Sox may not want to part with their best pitching prospect in some time, even if it would help them in the present.
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