Red Sox rumors: Boston discussing pitchers and infielders with Marlins

The Red Sox and Marlins have been engaged in trade talks recently, per Chad Jennings of The Athletic and Barry Jackson and Craig Mish of the Miami Herald.

A few different names that the Red Sox have asked for include shortstop Miguel Rojas and infielder Joey Wendle. Both would make sense for the Red Sox, who have a lack of MLB-ready depth behind middle infielders Trevor Story and Christian Arroyo. Both are defensive specialists who could either be plugged into a starting role or be utilized as utility men across the infield.

Also mentioned in the reports is that the Red Sox are a potential partner as the Marlins seek to improve by trading from their pitching surplus of Pablo Lopez, Trevor Rogers, Edward Cabrera, and Jesús Luzardo. Though the Marlins have a hole in the outfield, they have asked for first baseman Triston Casas in discussions.

The only realistic trade involving Triston Casas would have to include Pablo Lopez, though the Red Sox could hesitate even then. Casas is the Red Sox No. 2 prospect and MLB’s No. 25 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, but he’s also ready to take over as the team’s starting first baseman in 2023 after posting a .766 OPS in 27 games in 2022.

The Marlins have also asked about the Red Sox’ No. 3 prospect Ceddanne Rafaela, who could meet the Marlins’ need in the outfield or meet the Red Sox’ short term need in the middle infield. Trading either Casas or Rafaela would be a tough loss for the Red Sox, and there may be other ways to add to the rotation without giving up either of the top prospects.