Red Sox rumors: Boston mentioned as trade suitor for star shortstop despite brutal season

The Boston Red Sox have endured an underwhelming season up to this point. At 29-41 and in last place in the American League East standings, the Red Sox are likely going to sell ahead of the MLB trade deadline. However, could they still look to trade for MLB players despite likely selling? A recent ESPN article by Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel suggests it is possible.

The article was looking at the top trade candidates around baseball and the likelihood of those players being moved before the deadline. Houston Astros star shortstop Jeremy Pena was listed at No. 3 on the list. The ESPN writers gave Pena a 35 percent chance of being traded before the deadline, as Houston could potentially still compete in the winnable American League West and Pena is under contract through 2027.

The Red Sox were mentioned as the “best fits” for Pena along with the Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays.

Boston is in an interesting position. The team may not want to enter a complete long-term rebuild. They may instead look to trade specific players away this season who are set to enter free agency sooner rather than later. Players such as Aroldis Chapman and Jarren Duran are among the Red Sox’s trade candidates.

Acquiring Pena would be surprising, though, as he is going to be a free agent following the 2027 season. Unless Boston feels like it can agree to a long-term extension with Pena after a trade, acquiring him this season would not make too much sense given the team’s current position.

Nevertheless, the Red Sox are among the “best fits” for the shortstop according to ESPN.

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