The Boston Red Sox will undoubtedly be scouring the MLB for starting pitching this offseason, but in what manner will they do so? The latest rumors suggest the trade market could be their most likely avenue of exploring the acquisition of an ace.
This year's starting pitching free agent class possesses the most talent in recent memory. David Price, Zack Greinke, Johnny Cueto, Scott Kazmir, Jordan Zimmermann, Jeff Samardzija, Mike Leake, John Lackey and others are expected to be available, but not many will be a bargain.
As a result, for a team like the Red Sox, it's possible the trade market is best for them. If new team president Dave Dombrowski and general manager Mike Hazen can't figure out a way to get rid of the onerous contracts of Pablo Sandoval and/or Hanley Ramirez, it's unlikely they go spend big money on free agent pitching.
Instead, they can pay for the pitching with their surplus of farm system talent.
"Boston is said to be more willing than in past years to trade top prospects to get the ace they need, and that may have something to do with Dave Dombrowski taking over for Ben Cherington," writes Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. "After two straight off years, there is an urgency to win, and they must get a top-of-the-rotation starter. It's a decent year to be looking for one considering the star-studded free agent list. But they have the prospects to make deals, as well. Word is they won't touch infielder Yoan Moncada, center fielder Andrew Benintendi and right-handed pitcher Anderson Espinoza. Other than that trio, it is believed Boston would listen."
We've heard the Matt Harvey-to-Boston rumors recently, but that talk won't heat up until the World Series comes to a conclusion. However, there was some more buzz about such a scenario over the weekend.
"Another factor to consider is that there are whispers the Mets will listen this offseason to trade offers for one of their three starters, with Harvey's name mentioned the most frequently," writes Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald. "Harvey's from Connecticut, a New Englander. Is it possible he'll be in the Red Sox rotation next season? Let's just say it's not impossible and leave it for now."
New York has a number of impending free agents and they'll more than likely have to fill some voids on their MLB roster as well as in their farm system once the offseason hits. The Mets traded valuable prospects before the trade deadline to acquire Yoenis Cespedes, Tyler Clippard, Kelly Johnson and Juan Uribe, so they could look to stockpile more talent.
If they are serious about listening to offers on Harvey, then the Red Sox could perhaps be their best trade partner. Boston can dangle prospects Rafael Devers, Manuel Margot, Brian Johnson, Henry Owens, Javier Guerra, Michael Kopech, Sam Travis and MLB outfielder Rusney Castillo - all of whom would probably appeal to the Mets.
If Cespedes, Daniel Murphy and Tyler Clippard depart in free agency, it wouldn't hurt for the Mets to take a look at Boston's prospects because of their variety. Michael Kopech might be appealing because he profiles as a power bullpen arm; Javier Guerra could be an excellent middle infield option down the road; Sam Travis could serve as Lucas Duda's successor in the next couple of seasons if the Mets don't want to re-sign the slugger after 2017; and Margot could be an outfield option in later seasons when Michael Cuddyer and Curtis Granderson are gone.
There are a lot of scenarios the Mets can consider if these prospects are available. We'll just have to wait for the offseason to see what types of discussions take place.
