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MLB Rumors: Boston Red Sox Could Part Ways With $44,000,000 Pitcher
Boston Red Sox hat and glove (Image Credits: Imagn)

MLB Rumors: Boston Red Sox Could Part Ways With $44,000,000 Pitcher

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports
By Paranjoy Goswami  |  Last updated Jan 31, 2026 3:11 AM ET

Bolstering the offensive production by adding a power hitter or two was the big objective for the Boston Red Sox this offseason. However, they missed out on both Kyle Schwarber and Pete Alonso and decided to go down a completely different path after failing to re-sign Alex Bregman. The Red Sox pivoted by adding further depth to their pitching staff with a five-year, $130 million deal for Ranger Suárez.

As per Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic, the Boston Red Sox are discussing trade moves regarding several of their young pitchers, including Jordan Hicks. There are no concrete developments as yet, but the Red Sox front office is looking to add an infielder through the deal. Hicks is not necessarily generating much interest, but Boston wants to get the right-hander off their books.

“The Boston Red Sox continue to receive interest from clubs on their starting pitching depth, according to a team source. Though the source said nothing is imminent, the Red Sox have been “active” in trade talks for an infielder,” McCaffrey wrote.

“[Brayan] Bello and [Patrick] Sandoval are among the starters who’ve surfaced in trade talks, according to a league source, while reliever Jordan Hicks has also been discussed.”

Hicks established himself as one of the premier relief pitchers during his time with the St. Louis Cardinals. The San Francisco Giants converted him into a starter, however, after signing him to a four-year, $44 million contract in 2024. He struggled in the role before arriving in Boston as part of the Rafael Devers trade deal. The Red Sox moved him back into the bullpen, but it did not improve his performance. He posted an 8.20 ERA in 21 appearances for the team last year.

Red Sox Could Start 2026 Season With Marcelo Mayer at 3B


Marcelo Mayer (Image Credits: Imagn)

The Boston Red Sox may deploy Marcelo Mayer as their starting third baseman for next season, even though he generally takes a middle infield role, according to MLB insider Jen McCaffrey. They feel it will help him have an easier transition back into his natural shortstop position when he eventually takes over the role from Trevor Story.

“A team source indicated a preference for Marcelo Mayer to start at third base over second base,” McCaffrey wrote. “Staying on the same side of the infield would help the 23-year-old, a natural shortstop, make a transition back to short smoother once Trevor Story’s deal is up following the 2027 season.”

Mayer was the fourth overall pick at the 2021 Draft out of Eastlake HS, California. He earned his call-up to the MLB roster last year to play third base after Alex Bregman went out on the IL with a quad strain. In his rookie campaign, Mayer hit .228/.272/.402 over 44 games with four home runs, 10 RBIs, and an 85 OPS+.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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