Three under-the-radar trade chips for Red Sox

After their quick exit from the postseason, the Boston Red Sox recognized that their rotation needed help. So, they acquired Sonny Gray and cash from the St. Louis Cardinals on Nov. 25 in exchange for a pair of pitchers and a player to be named later. After the rival New York Yankees made quick work of them in the wild-card series, though, it's clear the team needs more than a 36-year-old pitcher.

That said, the team has a bright future. Former No. 1 prospect Roman Anthony made his debut this season and quickly looked like the player he was touted to be. However, it's clear that the Red Sox's young roster, led by Anthony, needs more veteran talent around them.

Boston parted ways with franchise icon Rafael Devers in June and failed to replace his offensive production. Trading for a proven bat is necessary for the Red Sox this offseason if they wish to build upon 2025's third-place finish in the AL East in 2026.

While outfielders Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu have been the most common names mentioned in trade rumors, here are three players Boston could also consider moving.

1. CF Ceddanne Rafaela

If any team is looking to shore up its outfield defense, they may want to give the Red Sox a call about Rafaela. The 25-year-old won the first Gold Glove Award of his career in 2025, and over 156 games, slashed .249/.295/.414 with 16 home runs and 63 RBI. While Rafaela's RBI was down from 2024 (75), he increased his on-base percentage (.274) and was able to cut down his strikeouts from 151 in 2024 to 117 in 2025. Since debuting in August of 2023, he has played shortstop and second base in addition to center for the Red Sox. His defensive versatility and serviceable offense could interest many contending clubs.

2. INF Marcelo Mayer

Before Anthony, there was Mayer. The infielder was drafted fourth overall in the 2021 MLB Draft by the Red Sox. After a plethora of injuries during his time in the minor leagues, the 22-year-old finally made his debut in May. Mayer batted .228 with a .674 OPS, 13 extra-base hits and 10 RBI before going down with a right wrist sprain at the end of July, missing the rest of the season. He has a high ceiling despite his injury history, with only 136 major-league plate appearances across 44 games. Mayer will be just 23 on Dec. 12.

3. RHP Brayan Bello

With the addition of Gray to the starting rotation, it's possible that Bello could be the odd man out on the Red Sox pitching staff. The 26-year-old had the best season of his career in 2025, posting a 3.35 ERA across 166.2 innings with 124 strikeouts. Furthermore, he threw his first career complete game in July against the Colorado Rockies. The right-hander has dealt with a couple of injuries to his throwing arm, but he has tremendous upside. If the Red Sox can flip Bello to acquire a bat, they absolutely should do so. Moreover, Boston still has a Joe Ryan pipe dream.