The Red Sox might want to rethink their trade strategy with the Dodgers.
While we won't dive back into the Mookie Betts saga, last year's trade involving Dustin May is another perplexing chapter in Boston's dealings with LA.
The deal sent May to Boston in exchange for outfielders James Tibbs III and Zach Ehrhard, raising eyebrows from the start. May, finally healthy, had a decent season, but was he really worth two top prospects, especially as a rental?
May's stint with the Red Sox saw him posting a 5.40 ERA over 28 1/3 innings. After the season, Boston let him walk without a fight, and he lingered on the free agent market before signing a one-year, $12.5 million deal with the Cardinals.
In his debut for St. Louis, May struggled, giving up six earned runs on 10 hits and a walk in just four innings.
Meanwhile, James Tibbs III wasted no time making an impact with the Oklahoma City Comets. In his first series, he tore through Triple-A pitching, making it look like child's play.
In his first three Triple-A games, Tibbs went 8-for-13 with two homers, three doubles, a triple, and eight RBIs. His performance underscores why he was such a coveted prospect.
This trade highlights a key aspect of the Dodgers' sustained success. They don't just sign top talent; they make shrewd trades.
Boston, in a bid to shore up their pitching and maintain a postseason spot, may have acted out of desperation. Andrew Friedman and the Dodgers capitalized on this, leaving the Red Sox as the clear losers.
The Cardinals may have overpaid for May, but Boston's loss is more profound. They parted with the centerpiece of the Rafael Devers trade, effectively turning their best pure hitter since David Ortiz into a missed opportunity.
Tibbs faces a crowded Dodgers outfield with Kyle Tucker, Andy Pages, and Teoscar Hernández blocking his path to the majors until at least the end of 2027. Yet, his performance is making it hard for the Dodgers to ignore him, no matter how stacked their roster might be.