The Boston Red Sox have sparked excitement among fans with their recent trade, acquiring Garrett Crochet to bolster their starting rotation. However, with the departure of Tyler O’Neill to the Baltimore Orioles, the Red Sox are left with a significant gap in their lineup. To address this issue, they may need to make another bold move, potentially targeting Chicago Cubs’ outfielder Seiya Suzuki.
Cody Williams of FanSided suggests that Suzuki would be an ideal trade target for the Red Sox, given his impressive performance and relatively affordable contract. Suzuki, 30, has consistently improved over his three years in the major leagues, culminating in a standout 2024 campaign. He boasts a .233/.366/.482 slash line, translating to a 138 OPS+ and 3.5 bWAR in 132 games.
Suzuki’s defense in right field has been somewhat inconsistent, but he could adapt to playing left field at Fenway Park, in front of the iconic Green Monster. Acquiring Suzuki would provide the Red Sox with a solid two-year solution to fill the void left by O’Neill’s departure. If Suzuki excels in Boston, the team could explore extending his contract beyond the current two-year term.
The Chicago Cubs, having already made a significant trade this winter, might be willing to part with Suzuki. With two years remaining on his five-year contract, Suzuki’s annual average value (AAV) of $19 million is relatively modest. The Red Sox, still boasting a Top 10 farm system in baseball, could potentially take on Suzuki’s contract in its entirety, alleviating the Cubs’ financial burden and potentially reducing the return package required from Boston.
While free agent slugger Teoscar Hernández is also a viable option, Suzuki’s more affordable contract and proven performance make him an attractive alternative. As the Red Sox continue to reshape their roster, acquiring Suzuki would demonstrate their commitment to competitiveness and provide a significant boost to their lineup.
Ultimately, the success of this potential trade hinges on the Cubs’ willingness to part with Suzuki and the Red Sox’s ability to negotiate a favorable deal. If executed, this blockbuster trade could have a profound impact on the Red Sox’s 2025 season, providing a much-needed injection of power and talent into their lineup.
