The Boston Red Sox have plenty of young talent and may be a couple of pieces away from a World Series run. Trading for another superstar could be a move that brings another championship to Boston.
The Red Sox ranked 15th in home runs last season, so adding more power may be a priority. Only the Tampa Bay Rays finished behind the Red Sox in home runs in the American League East. If the Red Sox want power, trying to trade for Ronald Acuña Jr. would be a blockbuster move that betters their chances of winning a World Series.
Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer tabbed the Red Sox as fits for Acuña if the Atlanta Braves trade him. Acuña’s current eight-year, $100 million deal has next season at $12.5 million and two $17 million club options remaining on it. That is a bargain considering the player he has become.
If the Braves have any reservations about paying him, they could get a haul for him in a trade. Acuña was the 2023 National League MVP and is a five-time All-Star and three-time Silver Slugger. However, he has two torn ACLs in his career and does not look like the same base-stealing threat he was when he swiped 73 bags in a season.
Acuña hit 21 home runs in just 95 games last season. He has 186 career home runs in eight seasons. Given his injury history, a move to designated hitter could be in the cards soon. The Red Sox could slot him in as the everyday designated hitter. Keeping him out of the outfield could preserve his health.
Acuña’s .935 OPS last season would have led the Red Sox. Despite playing in fewer than 100 games, he would have finished third on the team in home runs. When healthy, Acuña is one of the best hitters in the league. Adding him to a young Red Sox team could set Boston up for a championship run.
Acuña’s deal is very team-friendly for the next few years. After that, the Red Sox would have to find a way to pay him. However, if he stays healthy, paying him would be worth it.
Be the first to comment