Red Sox Should Target Marlins Pitcher Coming Off Career Year

The Boston Red Sox found their ace through a trade last offseason. Garrett Crochet was phenomenal in his first year with the team, and Boston may be interested in bolstering the rotation behind him. The Red Sox could check the trade market for starting pitching again this offseason.

The Athletic’s Jim Bowden reported on Nov. 5 that the Red Sox are “focused on adding starting pitching” this winter, and their “preferred” route to do so is via trade. MLB insider Bob Nightengale tabbed Miami Marlins pitcher Edward Cabrera a trade candidate on Monday, and the Red Sox should target him.

“He still has three more years of control, and is coming off his best season, but he has never had more trade value than now after never pitching 100 innings before last season,” wrote Nightengale on Monday.

The biggest thing Cabrera proved last year was that he can post. He made a career-high 26 starts and had a 3.53 ERA. He struck out 150 batters as well.

The Red Sox have a talented rotation, and Cabrera would be a great, cost-effective addition. Crochet, Cabrera and Brayan Bellow would give the Red Sox a great trio at the top of their rotation.

Cabrera is still only 27 years old and is projected to make just $3.75 million next year. Compared to other options on the trade block, Cabrera would allow the Red Sox to spend in other spots this winter.

In 89 career starts, he has a 4.07 ERA. The Marlins were sellers at the trade deadline and could look to deal Cabrera to help their rebuild. In the last two seasons, the Marlins have traded away stars like Tanner Scott and Jazz Chisholm Jr. Cabrera could be next.