Red Sox could trade key starter after Ranger Suárez addition: report

The Boston Red Sox have finally made their first big signing this offseason, agreeing to terms with former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Ranger Suárez on a five-year, $130 deal, per the New York Post's Jon Heyman. The Red Sox already began loading up their starting rotation before reportedly agreeing to terms with Suárez, trading the St. Louis Cardinals for three-time All-Star Sonny Gray and trading the Pittsburgh Pirates for Johan Oviedo. Though trading for Willson Contreras is Boston's only major move to improve its lineup, the starting rotation is set to be one of the best in the league. The Red Sox's starting rotation will likely feature Garrett Crochet, Ranger Suárez, Sonny Gray, Brayan Bello and Johan Oviedo next season, with Kutter Crawford set to fight for a spot in the rotation after missing all of 2025 to injuries. Boston also has multiple impressive pitching prospects in Connelly Early and Payton Tolle who got a taste of the big leagues this season. With how much depth the Red Sox's pitching staff has right now, it would not be surprising to see the team trade a pitcher or two to improve their starting lineup. The surprise is which pitcher the team may be willing to part ways with. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal previously reported the Red Sox were "quietly" shopping Bello in December, who is under contract through 2030. Now that Boston has added another star pitcher to its starting rotation in Suárez, trading a pitcher with a lot of upside like Bello could be a great way to improve its lineup. The 26-year-old hurler is coming off of arguably his best full season of his young career, posting 3.35 ERA in 29 appearances. One key issue the Red Sox need to address is their infield, especially after missing out on Alex Bregman in free agency. Having Bello available as a trade chip may be just what the team needs to swing a trade for a star infielder like Ketel Marte or Brendan Donovan. More MLB: Red Sox Could Pivot Back to $116.5 Million Infielder After Alex Bregman Loss: Report