Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox still have several top prospects and young players they could move in a blockbuster deal.
Franklin Arias could make a huge return in a Boston trade. Emily Chen/Getty Images
The Boston Red Sox already added a potential slugger to their lineup this weekend after trading Connelly early to the Nationals in exchange for slugger Curtis Mead.
But with the MLB trade deadline set for Monday, August 3, it appears as if Craig Breslow and the Red Sox are still eyeing more upgrades — especially now that Mead’s availability this season is in doubt after he fractured his wrist in his debut with Boston on Monday night.
Even if Meade returns to the lineup sometime before the end of this year, Boston could still use another impact bat to help bolster an offense that ranks 29th in home runs (100) and 25th in runs scored (445).
But if Boston wants to add a slugger at the catcher position or plans to add a game-changing talent at shortstop like Miami’s Otto Lopez or Washington’s CJ Abrams, Craig Breslow and Boston’s top brass would have to part with a huge package of young MLB prospects or talent to facilitate such a blockbuster deal.
With the MLB trade deadline now less than a week away, here’s a look at some of the best trade chips at Breslow’s disposal if Boston wants to swing for the fences with a blockbuster deal.
Franklin Arias
If the Red Sox are seriously trying to add an impact bat and franchise asset, potential sellers will likely focus on Boston’s top prospect: Franklin Arias.
Arias — who is ranked seventh on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 Players in Baseball — has all the makings of a future franchise, with strong defensive instincts and solid hitting skills.
Arias’ surge in power has also lifted his stock this year, as the 20-year-old hit .318 with 17 doubles, 19 home runs and 52 RBI over 75 games with Double-A Portland before being called up to Triple-A Worcester last weekend.
Arias may not be ready for the call-up next September. But there’s a good chance the talented youngster will be fighting for a regular role in Boston’s lineup at some point in 2027.
As with every prospect, the Red Sox will have to consider whether or not Arias’ potential is worth holding onto — especially if dealing him brings in a player with proven production like Abrams or Lopez.
Marcelo Mayer
In an ideal scenario, the Red Sox would likely be more willing to part with a talented young player like Marcelo Mayer as a cornerstone of a big deal — especially with Arias waiting in the wings.
Unfortunately, Arias has largely overtaken 23-year-old Myer in terms of business value, with Myer stock declining after a disappointing year so far in the majors.
In 70 games so far this season, Mayer is batting .220 with three home runs and 22 RBI over 70 games — and is currently sidelined with a bone stress reaction in his left forearm that has kept him out of the lineup since late June.
Concerns about Mayer’s durability and ability to be at least an average league hitter in the major leagues are fairly obvious, as Boston also reportedly has questions about Mayer’s focus and approach on and off the field.
A former top prospect like Meyer, who may need a change of scenery, would likely still hold some appeal for teams as part of a trade. But while Mayer may be the headliner in a big swap in a year or so, he may just be part of a larger package needed to get the deal done now.
Payton Toll
After getting rid of a talented left-hander early in order to bring in Curtis Mead, could Boston move another promising young player in Payton Tull?
Tull, 23, is likely to make a big return, given his profile as a power hitter who has already produced strong returns in the majors (6-6, 3.32 ERA, 103 strikeouts over 95 innings) and has the makings of a future starter.
But, if the Red Sox believe their recent record of cultivating and developing top pitching pitches will continue, they might at least be willing to move one of their best emerging assets — especially if such a deal allows them to add a much-needed catcher to the lineup.
Even with Boston’s booming pitching pipeline, Tull is likely the one arm that Breslow and his staff would be most hurt by moving — even for an impact player.
Jake Bennett
The emergence of Jake Bennett likely played a role in why Boston wanted to move early in a one-for-one swap for Mead.
But Bennett’s strong showing for the Red Sox this season (6-4, 2.72 ERA, 0.97 WHIP) could also make him a young player that Boston could try to sell for a high price — especially if it allows Craig Breslow and Co. By protecting a player like Toole in a big deal.
Bennett — who was acquired by Boston in December 2025 as part of a trade with Washington for fellow prospect Luis Perales — may not have as many swings as other young arms in Boston’s rotation like Tull.
However, the 6-foot-6 southpaw has a very high ceiling as an innings-eating stalwart who can confuse hitters with a strong pitch mix and avoid putting himself in bad spots with strong command.
Anthony Ianson
When it comes to weapons, Boston’s commercial capital may top big-name players like Tull and Bennett.
But the Red Sox also have a fast-rising pitcher in their farm system in right-hander Anthony Ianson.
Selected in the third round of the 2025 MLB Draft, Ianson made an immediate impact in his first full season of professional ball, as concerns about his speed faded after working with Boston’s pitching staff.
After a dominant stint with Single-A Salem to open the year (0.44 ERA over five starts), Eyanson has a 1.45 ERA across 10 appearances (nine starts) with Double-A Portland, recording 50 strikeouts in 43.1 innings of work.
There’s a lot to like about the future of Boston’s rotation, especially if three of the Red Sox’ five starting spots are eventually occupied by the likes of Tull, Bennett and Ianson.
But, just as Boston ultimately viewed Early as an expendable asset amid a glut of promising offers, a talented arm like Ianson could be moved for the right price.
Roman Anthony
As much as this season has been a huge disappointment for Roman Anthony, the 22-year-old outfielder is still considered the future face of the Boston franchise.
When healthy, Anthony has all the makings of a legitimate All-Star talent and a starting machine that should be entrenched at the top of the Red Sox lineup for years to come.
But, if the Red Sox want to put all their cards on the table in pursuit of legitimate star talent, could Anthony be in play?
Anthony’s exciting upside and the security provided by the eight-year, $130 million contract he signed last summer will make him the type of player that almost every team in baseball will be lining up to pay an astronomical price for.
But, is there a realistic trade target that would tempt the Red Sox to move on from their star? Unless a legitimate MVP candidate like Kansas City’s Bobby Witt Jr. hits the market somehow, dealing Anthony doesn’t seem like a good start for Boston.
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