Who could Boston target in a trade?

After entering the 2025 season with one of the best farm systems in baseball, the Red Sox system took a major hit thanks to both graduations of their top prospects and trades. While a deal that moves one of the few remaining top prospects could still be possible, those types of moves would presumably come closer to the trade deadline on August, 3.

Any move Breslow could look to make now would have to be a 'baseball trade,' swapping major league assets for one another. The easiest path to that kind of deal is a simple one: Finally figure out your outfield logjam, adding a big bat to the middle of your lineup in the process.

Jarren Duran has been, and remains, the most likely trade candidate of the Boston outfielders. However, after placing a hefty price tag on him in the offseason, his slow start at the plate has not done much to warrant the massive cost. Could the Red Sox look to offload Duran in a change-of-scenery deal? And who would be looking to acquire the much-maligned outfielder?

One team that could possibly fit the mold for a potential deal is your opponent this weekend, the Atlanta Braves. Who, thanks to a spell of injuries, find themselves in desperate need of an outfielder. Would the Braves be willing to entertain a deal for a fellow former All-Star, who has been unable to replicate their success from two years ago, in third baseman Austin Riley?

Since back-to-back All-Star campaigns in 2023-24, Riley has been a slightly above league-average hitter, including a .218 batting average in 44 games played in 2026. He is under contract at a fairly affordable $22 million through the 2032 season, so his availability in any trade would depend on how concerned the Atlanta front office is about the slow start.

Another potential fit could be with a familiar trade partner in the San Francisco Giants, who could be in sell mode after their slow start to the season. While a trade that saw the return of Rafael Devers to Boston is nothing more than a pipe dream. Could San Francisco look to offload the contract of underperforming shortstop Willy Adames? Since signing a seven-year, $182 million deal with the Giants ahead of the 2025 season, Adames has hit just .224, with 33 home runs, while playing in one of the most pitcher-friendly parks in baseball.

The decision to take on a "big" contract, of either Adames, Riley, or any other potential trade target, would be a big sign from Breslow and the faith that he has in the Red Sox' hitting system to get these struggling veterans back on track to provide a spark. And, more importantly, a strong indication from John Henry that ownership is willing to invest more in improving the 2026 roster.

While a deal seems unlikely for now, Breslow will have to be aggressive in making a move to bolster a lineup that ranks near the bottom of baseball in nearly every offensive category.

The Red Sox will take on the Braves in game one of a three-game set at Truist Park on Friday night. Connelly Early gets the start for Boston, opposite Spencer Strider for Atlanta. First pitch set for 7:15 p.m. ET.

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