Reporter reveals just how ‘all-in’ Red Sox were at trade deadline with list of massive targets

The Boston Red Sox stunned a lot of people with their all-in trade for Adley Rutschman, which required them to send Carlos Narváez and four top prospects (now including Harold Rivas) to the Baltimore Orioles. It's a huge gamble on both the 2026 and 2027 seasons, as well as the organization's ability to lock Rutschman into a long-term extension on either side of the upcoming lockout.

Of course, we know that the All-Star backstop wasn't the only big-fish game that Craig Breslow hunted this summer. Elly De La Cruz was reportedly high on the front office's wish list, and he would have cost an even bigger package than Rutschman, which more than likely would have been headlined by top shortstop prospect Franklin Arias.

Now, thanks to Alex Speier of The Boston Globe, we have a more complete list detailing the Red Sox's trade ambitions. And let me tell you, it's clear that Breslow had every intention of swinging for the fences at the deadline.

Red Sox's trade for Adley Rutschman comes with massive spotlight after other superstar pursuits

At the time of the trade, Rutschman was an injured catcher with 1.5 years of team control remaining. Think about what the Red Sox surrendered to acquire him; five young players, all of whom are very highly regarded, was the price for a 28-year-old who hasn't been a superstar in three years.

Yes, there was absolutely a division rival tax in play. The Orioles, sensing Breslow's desperation to improve his reputation after a disastrous deadline performance a year ago, put a surcharge on their face of the franchise and got rewarded for it.

But that's still the price tag we have to work with. Imagine, then, how much someone like De La Cruz would have cost. That's an MVP-caliber shortstop (a more valuable position than catcher) with better numbers than Rutschman, not to mention the 3.5 years of team control he comes attached to. Obviously no trade was completed, but it's crazy to think that Breslow was even willing to play in those waters.

Others on Speier's list, like Bobby Witt Jr., Hunter Goodman, CJ Abrams, and Dillon Dingler are also stars who would have required a comparable (if not better) package to acquire. Even the "lesser" players like Zach Neto or Liam Hicks would have easily registered as one of the biggest mid-season trades in recent franchise history.

Choosing Rutschman out of that group is a gamble not just because of his proximity to free agency, but also because the farm system is now lacking the prospect depth necessary to acquire one of those other stars. In other words, you can only take a swing this wild once in a blue moon. The Red Sox should be applauded for their bravery, but it's now on their new catcher to prove that he was the right target.

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