If the rumors that the Boston Red Sox will be aggressive this offseason are true, it likely means activity in the trade market.
Boston might not be willing to shell out massive paydays to free agents, but they certainly have the prospect capital to swing a big trade. The Cubs may have just what they're looking for in return.
While much of the speculation with the Cubs has been around Cody Bellinger, this isn't where the Red Sox should be looking. The Cubs are trying to unload Bellinger, who surprisingly opted in to the second year of a three-year deal, but they haven't found any interest due to his steep $25 million salary. The Red Sox won't be after Bellinger, who isn't a fit for them at any price.
However, two other names deserve Boston's attention. The Cubs are rumored to be shopping starting pitcher Jameson Taillon and second baseman Nico Hoerner. Both players could fill major holes for the Red Sox. Not only that, but the Cubs desperately lack lefty power bats, which the Red Sox can offer in spades. A trade seems to make sense for both sides.
Taillon is an obvious fit owing to the Red Sox' desperate need for starting pitching depth. In the first two years of his four-year deal in Chicago, Taillon has a 4.03 ERA in 319.2 innings pitched. However, he looked much better last year, with a 3.27 ERA and a very solid 1.8 walks per nine in 165.1 innings. For just $17 million a year, that kind of production would be a welcome addition to the Red Sox' staff.
Nico Hoerner is so much fun to watch play defense 🤩 pic.twitter.com/MzxxKjqDIy
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) April 19, 2024
As for Hoerner, he's an even better bargain. The Cubs extended him prior to the 2023 season, and he's under contract for two more years at a $23.5 million total value. Hoerner is an excellent defender who has shown skill at both middle infield spots, winning a Gold Glove at second base in 2023. He doesn't slug much, but he has a career .278 average and rarely strikes out. He's also a threat on the basepaths, with 74 stolen bases in the last two years. Hoerner would be a welcome righty bat in a lefty-heavy lineup, and given Trevor Story's volatility, he could be a more reliable (and better) solution in the middle infield.
Although Hoerner certainly seems to be a more attractive candidate for the Red Sox, he's probably less likely to be traded simply becuase his contract is so much more team-friendly. Meanwhile, the Cubs seem to be more actively shopping Taillon, whose name was floated frequently at the deadline this summer.
That being said, Chicago's front office has recently been hamstrung by the ownership's unwillingness to substantially exceed the luxury tax threshold. If the Cubs want to make any moves this offseason, they'll need to shed whatever payroll they can. For their part, the Red Sox can offer them the lefty power that they lack, whether in big leaguers or prospects. If the Cubs are truly considering trading either Taillon or Hoerner, the Red Sox should capitalize.