Red Sox Trade Chips to Watch as Spring Training Nears
The moving truck has officially departed Boston and is en route to Fort Myers - a sure sign that spring training is right around the corner. But while the palm trees and practice fields await, the Red Sox front office still has work to do. The roster isn’t quite finished, and there are a few key holes that need patching before the team can confidently roll into the 2026 season.
Trade rumors have been circling the Red Sox for weeks, and while some potential targets have already landed elsewhere, there are still moves to be made. The front office could pull the trigger on a deal before the first pitch of spring training, or they might opt to let a few games play out before making any major decisions. Spring can be a proving ground - not just for prospects trying to earn a roster spot, but also for trade chips looking to boost their value.
Let’s take a closer look at three names who could be on the move as the Red Sox shape their 2026 roster.
1. Patrick Sandoval - A Veteran Lefty with Upside
Patrick Sandoval is going to be a name to watch all spring. The 29-year-old left-hander is a year and a half removed from Tommy John surgery and enters the final season of his contract with Boston. He’s owed $12 million - a manageable number for a team in need of rotation help - and he still has a minor league option remaining, which gives the Red Sox some roster flexibility.
Boston is sitting on a surplus of starting pitching, and that makes Sandoval a logical trade candidate. He’s not a lock for the Opening Day roster, but a few strong outings in Fort Myers could change that - either by earning him a spot or by sparking interest from another club. For a team looking to buy low on a potentially high-upside arm, Sandoval fits the bill.
2. Brayan Bello - Valuable Arm, Long-Term Control
Brayan Bello’s name has been floating in trade discussions all offseason, and while nothing appears imminent, the Red Sox have reportedly been active in talks - particularly in their search for infield help. Bello, Sandoval, and Jordan Hicks have all come up in recent conversations, and while Bello might be the most valuable of the group, he’s also the one Boston may be most reluctant to move.
Still, it’s not off the table. Bello isn’t a bargain - he’d cost a team around $12.5 million annually - but he brings a lot to the table: a proven track record, a clear upward trajectory, and multiple years of team control.
That’s a rare combination in today’s pitching market. If a team loses a top-three starter during spring training, Bello could become a priority target.
Boston’s offseason additions have deepened their pitching staff considerably, giving them the flexibility to consider moving a guy like Bello - but only if the return is right.
3. Mikey Romero - Young Talent with Something to Prove
Mikey Romero isn’t a household name yet, but that could change in a hurry. The former first-round pick earned a non-roster invite to MLB spring training and will get his first taste of big-league competition this spring. That’s a big opportunity - not just for Romero, but for the Red Sox front office.
Boston doesn’t have many high-ranking position player prospects in the upper minors, which makes Romero’s development all the more important. If he performs well in Fort Myers, he could quickly become a valuable trade piece - especially if the Red Sox are looking to make a last-minute move for a starting second baseman.
Romero’s ceiling remains high, and a strong spring could be enough to push him into the mix as a key piece in a deal aimed at improving the big-league club right now.
Final Thoughts
The Red Sox aren’t done yet. Whether it’s before the first Grapefruit League game or after a few weeks of evaluation, this team still feels like it has another move in it. With a crowded pitching staff and a few position needs still lingering, trade talks aren’t going away anytime soon.
Sandoval, Bello, and Romero each bring something different to the table - veteran experience, long-term upside, or prospect intrigue - but all three could play a role in shaping the final version of the 2026 Red Sox. Keep an eye on how they perform this spring. The phones in Fort Myers might be ringing sooner than later.