The Boston Red Sox are sitting dead last in the AL East with a 29-41 record. Logic says they’ll be sellers at the trade deadline. But a new report from ESPN suggests they might have their eyes on a player who doesn’t fit the usual rebuild mold.
Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel ranked Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña as the No. 3 most likely trade candidate in baseball, giving him a 35% chance of being moved. And among the teams listed as the “best fits” for Peña? The Red Sox, alongside the Braves, Yankees, Rays, and Blue Jays.
Peña, who is under team control through 2027, wouldn’t be a rental. He’s a Gold Glove winner with playoff experience. But the timing is awkward for Boston. Why would a last-place club target an asset who still has years of control left — unless they’re thinking long-term?
Here’s the wrinkle: the Red Sox may not be planning a full-scale teardown. According to reports, the team could look to move players on expiring contracts — names like Aroldis Chapman and Jarren Duran have been floated — while still trying to add pieces that fit beyond this season. That would explain the interest in Peña, but it also raises questions.
If Boston trades for Peña without a handshake deal on an extension, the move would be hard to justify given their current standing. The Red Sox would be surrendering assets for a player who could simply walk in free agency after 2027. The team has not confirmed any talks, but ESPN’s mention puts the front office in an interesting spotlight.
For now, Peña remains in Houston, where the Astros are still alive in a winnable AL West. But if they decide to pivot, Boston could be a surprising dark horse to keep an eye on.
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