Red Sox's Arias out of Triple-A lineup, signaling possible trade

Boston Red Sox top prospect Franklin Arias. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Red Sox top prospect out of Triple-A lineup, signaling possible trade

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Aug 3, 2026 9:28 AM ET

Franklin Arias, the Boston Red Sox's No. 1 ranked prospect, is not in the Worcester Red Sox lineup Sunday, which could mean that he could be dealt ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline at 6 p.m. EST.

Arias was promoted from Double-A Portland to Triple-A Worcester on July 24 after batting .318 with 19 home runs and 52 RBI in Double-A.

Rumors have recently arisen of the shortstop being traded, but his absence from the WooSox lineup could also mean he could be called up to the big leagues. But according to the Boston Globe's Alex Speier, the Red Sox are open to moving him and he's not considered a player who won't be moved.

If the Red Sox do trade Arias, Red Sox fans would only hope that the return would be elite considering the team has drastically shifted from sellers to buyers with their turnaround performance.

The Red Sox have been open to considering deals involving Franklin Arias in advance of the trade deadline, per @alexspeier

Arias is NOT in the WooSox lineup today pic.twitter.com/4Y3k4grxkX
— Punchoutpitch (@Punchoutpitch) August 2, 2026

Who are the Red Sox targeting if they trade Franklin Arias?

Several elite names have been linked in trade speculations with Arias including C.J. Abrams, Zach Neto, and Elly De La Cruz.

Rumors of the Red Sox going after Abrams of the Washington Nationals have circulated, and Abrams is a top trade chip ahead of the deadline with several teams interested in the highly touted shortstop.

The two-time All-Star is a controllable asset who is under club control for two more seasons. He may be deemed as worthwhile to for the Red Sox let go of their prized prospect.

Both Neto and De La Cruz have also been formidable trade assets who have come up in trade buzz with the Red Sox. However, both the Los Angeles Angels and Cincinnati Reds reportedly would have to be "blown away" if they were to move their elite talents.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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