Proposing 3 Trades Red Sox Could Make To Steal AL East From Yankees
The AL East is once again a battlefield, and the Boston Red Sox find themselves playing catch-up behind a powerhouse Yankees squad. But all hope is far from lost. With the right moves, the Red Sox could turn a solid roster into a true contender. Here are three bold but realistic trades Boston could make to steal the division crown from their rivals in pinstripes.
1. Trade for Luis Robert Jr. (White Sox)
Red Sox receive: OF Luis Robert Jr.
White Sox receive: OF Wilyer Abreu, RHP Wikelman Gonzalez, INF Nick Yorke, RHP Chris Murphy
The Red Sox lack a true impact bat in the outfield, and Luis Robert Jr. would be a game-changer. A healthy Robert brings elite defense, power, and speed—traits that could ignite the top of Boston’s lineup. The White Sox are deep into a rebuild and may be tempted by a package of high-upside prospects. It’s a hefty price, but Robert is under team control through 2027, giving Boston a long-term star to build around.
2. Acquire Corbin Burnes (Orioles)
Red Sox receive: RHP Corbin Burnes
Orioles receive: RHP Brandon Walter, INF Blaze Jordan, RHP Richard Fitts
This one’s a shocker—but also strategic. If Baltimore falters or Burnes doesn’t commit long-term, the O’s might move him for assets rather than risk losing him in free agency. The Red Sox rotation needs a true ace to match up in October, and Burnes fits the bill. While an intra-division deal is rare, a motivated Boston front office could overwhelm the Orioles with a mix of major-league ready arms and offensive upside.
3. Add Scott Barlow and Brent Rooker (Royals & A’s Three-Team Deal)
Red Sox receive: RHP Scott Barlow (Royals), OF/DH Brent Rooker (A’s)
Royals receive: OF Ceddanne Rafaela, LHP Shane Drohan
A’s receive: RHP Luis Perales, C Kyle Teel
Boston needs bullpen help and a right-handed power bat. A creative three-team deal could check both boxes. Barlow brings veteran stability to the late innings, while Rooker adds thunder to the middle of the lineup as a DH/OF hybrid. Giving up Teel hurts, but the Red Sox have depth at catcher and could afford to move prospects to fill immediate needs.
The Bottom Line
These trades aren’t small tweaks—they’re aggressive swings aimed at overtaking the Yankees and setting the Sox up for a deep postseason run. Boston’s farm system is deep enough to make bold moves, and with the right blend of power, pitching, and bullpen reinforcements, the Red Sox could shift the balance of power in the AL East by the trade deadline.
Want a follow-up with more trade targets or mock trade scenarios for other contenders? Just say the word.
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