The Boston Red Sox's need for power is exceedingly clear but this offseason's free agent class doesn't meet it well. Randy Arozarena, Seiya Suzuki, Brandon Lowe, George Springer and Eugenio Suárez aren't exactly perfect fits in Boston.
The trade market might be a better place for the Sox to find what they need. Much of Red Sox Nation has the same dream target in mind: Elly De La Cruz.
But the shortstop picture in Boston is quite crowded at the moment. Trevor Story, who is utterly untradeable unless the Sox eat a bunch of his money and package him with other prospects, has one more year on his contract and 10-5 rights. Top prospect Franklin Arias, a skilled defender and consistent hitter who just found his power stroke, should be in the major leagues by the time the start of next season arrives.
His debut could be with another team, though. Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic on October 20 reported that the Red Sox considered trading Arias at the trade deadline for a young, controllable shortstop (subscription required). At that time, Boston inquired with the Cincinnati Reds about a trade for De La Cruz, a conversation it could very well revisit.
Franklin Arias' availability in deadline trades could make him available for Red Sox-Elly De La Cruz trade this offseason
Arias' value is the highest it's ever been following a breakout season at the plate. The 20-year-old shortstop has always had impeccable bat-to-ball skills, but he unlocked his home run power this year. Arias batted .323/.400/.557 with 28 doubles, a triple and a career-high 25 home runs over 117 games. He fanned 74 times for a 15.1 strikeout percentage which ranks in the 85th percentile.
It would still take a heavy package to land De La Cruz from the Reds, but it would be worth it. He's an elite player with power, improved defense and blazing speed. De La Cruz posted a career-best year on offense with a .283/.365/.515 slash line, 30 doubles, five triples, 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases over 143 games.
De La Cruz is still on a pre-arbitration deal and won't become a free agent until after the 2029 season. Since he's approaching arbitration, the Red Sox might be able to trade for him at a more reasonable price than they discussed at the deadline. But Arias is likely to be included, regardless.
That means, like the Garrett Crochet trade, the Red Sox will only get the best value out of a De La Cruz deal if they can extend him. Especially if Arias is involved, Boston must hold on to De La Cruz for as much as possible. Given his superstardom and the free agents the Red Sox have let walk or refused to sign in recent years (Alex Bregman, Pete Alonso, Kyle Schwarber, etc.), an extension will be no easy task for Boston.
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