The Boston Red Sox are in the heat of a postseason battle, holding a solid record of 43-37. However, they find themselves in one of the toughest divisions in baseball, sitting in third place behind the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Yankees, who are tied for first and hold a 7.5-game lead over the Red Sox.
One of the biggest weaknesses on the Red Sox roster is the middle infield, where second baseman Emmanuel Valdez has been underperforming. A potential solution to this problem could come from a trade with the rival Toronto Blue Jays, who are currently in fifth place with a record of 37-43 and seem likely to begin a rebuild.
The Blue Jays have two valuable assets in Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, who could fetch significant returns in a trade. Both are set to become free agents after the 2025 season. Jon Heyman of the New York Post noted that he's heard the Blue Jays have "little to no chance to lock up Bichette" on a new deal.
"They aren’t going to want to trade Bo Bichette and Vlad Guerrero Jr. with both having another year to go before free agency. But word is, past long-term negotiations with both stars never came close to agreement," writes Heyman. "And folks who know the pair believe the Jays have little to no chance to lock up Bichette, and maybe only a slightly better chance with Guerrero."
Bichette, in particular, would be an ideal fit for the Red Sox, filling their infield gap and elevating their roster to a new level. Though the Red Sox haven't made many blockbuster trades in recent years, acquiring Bichette would make them legitimate contenders. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays could use the trade to kickstart their rebuilding process and seek vengeance against the division rivals.
One potential trade package could include infielder Yoeilin Cespedes and catcher Nathan Hickey, who are ranked No. 7 and No. 16 in the Red Sox system by MLB Pipeline, respectively.
Yoeilin Cespedes' Potential
18-year-old infielder Yoeilin Cespedes has shown immense potential, though he has yet to exceed the Rookie-Ball level. Cespedes is a versatile player with strong defensive skills and impressive offensive capabilities. He has shown an ability to crush baseballs and hit for a high average while also being a solid fielder. Cespedes represents a long-term investment for the Blue Jays, one who could become a cornerstone of their lineup once they emerge from their rebuild.
In 2023, Cespedes played 46 games for the Red Sox Blue in the Dominican Summer League, posting a .346/.392/ .560 slash line, with 15 doubles, four triples, and six home runs. In 2024, he continued his strong performance in the Florida Complex League, slashing .319/.400/.615 in 25 games.
Nathan Hickey's Performance
24-year-old Nathan Hickey is an immediate contributor who can play first base, catcher, and designated hitter. Currently playing at Triple-A Worcester, Hickey has the potential to be called up at any moment to provide offensive power and defensive reliability. His experience makes him a valuable asset for any team.
In 2024, Hickey has played 61 games for Triple-A Worcester, posting a .212/.325/.389 slash line, with 11 doubles, one triple, and nine home runs.
Impact on Both Teams
This trade could dramatically change both teams. For the Red Sox, acquiring Bichette would provide a significant boost to their infield and overall roster, making them stronger contenders for the postseason. For the Blue Jays, adding Cespedes and Hickey would provide valuable assets for their rebuilding efforts, ensuring they have talented players to develop for the future.
In summary, a trade between the Red Sox and Blue Jays involving Bichette, Cespedes, and Hickey could change the landscape of the AL East, with both teams benefiting from an exchange of talent.
