4 Red Sox Trade Candidates Fans Should Already Be Watching Closely

The Boston Red Sox have a handful of pieces who could generate interest in the trade market.

Oct 2, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; Boston Red Sox outfielder Masataka Yoshida (7) runs to first base after hitting a single in the fourth inning against the New York Yankees during game three of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The Boston Red Sox have done a lot of adding in the trade market over the last few months, but who could be pieces to monitor in the near future who could be on their way out of town?

It's still very early in the 2026 Major League Baseball season, obviously. Boston has played just six games so far this season and is 1-5 on the campaign. Not what you want to see, but there is plenty of time to turn things around. This is a 162-game marathon of a season we're talking about, of course.

Right now, there isn't a lot of trade buzz around the league yet. That will surely change over the course of the next few months. The 2026 Major League Baseball trade deadline will come and pass on Aug. 3 at 6 p.m. ET. The Red Sox have the talent to contend this season, so it wouldn't be a shock to see Boston eventually end up being buyers ahead of the trade deadline. But there are guys who could end up playing elsewhere before the season comes to a close.

With that being said, here are four trade candidates to monitor for Boston.

Patrick Sandoval — Starting Pitcher

Feb 17, 2026; Lee County, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Patrick Sandoval (43) poses for a photo during media day at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Sandoval was talked about as a trade candidate during the offseason because of the fact that Boston is loaded in the starting rotation. He is still working his way back after missing the 2025 season. If he can show something when he's fully ready to go, he'd be a very intriguing, veteran rotation trade chip for some team out there.

Kutter Crawford — Starting Pitcher

Sep 28, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Kutter Crawford (50) pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images | Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

Crawford and Sandoval are in the exact same boat. Both working their way back after missing the 2025 season and on the outside looking in on the club's starting rotation right now. Plus, with Connelly Early in the rotation, Johan Oviedo in the bullpen and Payton Tolle in Triple-A, there's enough depth to think someone will be moved.

Franklin Arias — Infielder (No. 2 Prospect)

Apr 29, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; A view of the Boston Red Sox logo and a field bag during batting practice before the game between the Texas Rangers and the Boston Red Sox at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Now, Boston shouldn't trade Arias unless some sort of star is available in the trade market. As we inch closer to the summer trade deadline, we'll start to hear chatter about who might be available. If there is a star available, Boston has enough infield depth to consider flipping Arias for the right price. Again, not a necessity, but if there is a star available around the August trade deadline that can help Boston, consider all options.

Masataka Yoshida — Outfielders/Designated Hitter

Mar 29, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Boston Red Sox outfielder Masataka Yoshida (7) at bat in the third inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

The Red Sox still have a logjam in the outfield on their hands. If Yoshida can play well enough to convince a team to take on his contract, that would help clear the logjam and some money off the books while potentially giving him more consistent playing time as well.