Connelly Early

There is nothing in motion right now, but Speier notes that the Royals have specifically stated that nobody on their roster is "off limits." The Royals have shown a reluctance to deal veterans Seth Lugo and Michal Wacha, and they have said that Ragans would only be dealt if a "big return" was coming their way. However, the Red Sox have the pieces to put together that kind of return. The Royals are looking for a right-handed outfielder, but also reportedly "won't be tethered to the notion," which means the Red Sox could put together an offer that includes Jarren Duran, one of Connelly Early or Payton Tolle, and other prospects in order to acquire Ragans. It's also possible that the Red Sox might be willing to part with Kristian Campbell, who seems best suited for the outfield, but doesn't really have a place in Boston right now. This is a situation to monitor.

The Red Sox made their needed addition to the upper half of the rotation with this morning’s Sonny Gray trade. The veteran righty slots between Garrett Crochet and Brayan Bello in an impressive top three. The Sox have a handful of talented younger arms (e.g. Payton Tolle, Connelly Early, Kyle Harrison, Tyler Uberstine) who can compete with injury returnees Kutter Crawford…

Boston gets the postseason-caliber starter it needed without having to make a long-term commitment. The Cardinals will chip in $20 million of the $40 million (now $41 million after a trade kicker) Gray was owed in the final year of his backloaded three-year, $75 million contract. $10 million of that $40 million comes in the form of a buyout of a $30 million mutual option for 2028. Gray had a 4.28 ERA last season, but it came with a 201/38 K/BB in 180 2/3 innings. After dealing with some mid-career durability issues, he's made 92 starts the last three seasons, striking out 587 hitters over 531 innings. He'll join Garrett Crochet and Brayan Bello in Boston's rotation, with Paxton Crawford currently favored for the fourth spot and then Patrick Sandoval, Connelly Early, Payton Tolle and Kyle Harrison potentially battling it out for the fifth.

The Red Sox made their needed addition to the upper half of the rotation with this morning’s Sonny Gray trade. The veteran righty slots between Garrett Crochet and Brayan Bello in an impressive top three. The Sox have a handful of talented younger arms (e.g. Payton Tolle, Connelly Early, Kyle Harrison, Tyler Uberstine) who can compete with injury returnees Kutter Crawford…