Cardinals and Red Sox Could Be Lining Up for One Last Offseason Swing in 2026
Don't look now, but two of baseball’s most storied franchises might be circling each other for a final offseason dance. The Boston Red Sox just made a splash by locking down left-hander Ranger Suárez on a five-year deal, adding him to a rotation that already includes Garrett Crochet and Sonny Gray. That trio alone gives Boston one of the more formidable starting staffs in the American League heading into 2026.
But they’re not stopping there.
The Sox have assembled a deep pool of arms to compete for the final two spots in their rotation-eight pitchers in total, each with something to prove. And this is where things start to get interesting for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Boston’s Rotation Depth Could Spark Trade Talks
Brayan Bello is currently slotted as Boston’s fourth starter, with Kutter Crawford and Illinois native Tanner Houck battling it out for the fifth spot. Behind them are two intriguing 23-year-old arms: Peyton Tolle, who flashed triple-digit heat in limited big-league action last season, and Connelly Early, who impressed with a polished off-speed mix and pinpoint control. Both are raw, but the upside is undeniable.
Then there’s Kyle Harrison, Johan Oviedo-who has some history with the Cardinals-and Patrick Sandoval, all adding to the depth chart. That’s a lot of capable arms for just five rotation spots, and it raises the question: Is a trade brewing?
If the Red Sox decide to move one of their young pitchers, St. Louis could be a logical partner. The Cardinals are still in the midst of reshaping their pitching staff and could be eyeing this surplus as an opportunity to strike.
JoJo Romero: A Bullpen Fit for Boston?
One name that could entice Boston is JoJo Romero. The lefty reliever has been a dependable option out of the Cardinals’ bullpen, particularly in high-leverage spots. He’s durable, experienced, and fearless-just the kind of arm you want when the game’s on the line.
But he’s also approaching 30, and for a team like Boston, which is eyeing long-term bullpen sustainability, that might mean looking for a younger, higher-upside option. If Romero is on the table, the return would likely need to include a promising arm-someone like Brady Tygart could fit that mold.
Catching Questions and the Herrera Factor
Offensively, the Red Sox are still looking to replace the power void left by Rafael Devers and Alex Bregman. That search could lead them to Ivan Herrera, a bat-first catcher with legitimate pop. If Boston believes Herrera can hold his own behind the plate-or at least provide value elsewhere in the lineup-he could be a real difference-maker.
But the Cardinals have some thinking to do. Is Herrera part of their long-term core?
If their competitive window doesn’t fully open until 2028 or 2029, they’ll need to weigh whether Herrera’s defensive limitations are worth living with. If not, could he shift to another position?
Or is he ultimately a DH?
St. Louis also has catching depth to consider.
Jimmy Crooks is another name who could be on the move, potentially clearing the way for other rising prospects. And don’t forget about Rainiel Rodriguez, the super-prospect expected to arrive in St.
Louis by the end of the decade. If the future is already en route, it might be time to make some tough decisions now.
Brendan Donovan and the Infield Market
Then there’s the Brendan Donovan situation. Boston’s Marcelo Mayer has struggled at the plate early in his big-league career, and if the Red Sox are looking for a more reliable infield presence, Donovan checks a lot of boxes. He’s versatile, consistent, and the kind of clubhouse leader every team wants.
He’ll be 31 by 2028, but that doesn’t diminish his value. Donovan is a glue guy-willing to play anywhere, do anything, and lead by example.
That’s why if the Red Sox want him, they’ll have to come correct. A package involving Connelly Early, Kristian Campbell, John Holobetz, and Jose Bello could be enough to get the conversation started, especially if Jimmy Crooks is also part of the deal.
The Mariners have shown interest in Donovan too, so there’s external pressure here. If Boston wants to land him, they might need to act fast-and pay up.
Two Teams, Two Timelines, One Opportunity
At the core of all this is timing. The Red Sox are clearly in “win-now” mode, pushing chips in for a 2026 World Series run. The Cardinals, meanwhile, are playing a longer game, retooling with the goal of returning to October glory in the next few seasons.
But these two teams have what the other needs. Boston has young, controllable pitching.
St. Louis has versatile position players and catching depth.
There’s a real chance for a mutually beneficial deal here-one that helps the Red Sox chase a title now and gives the Cardinals the building blocks for their next great run.
If there’s one more big move left in this offseason, don’t be surprised if it comes from a familiar pairing. The Red Sox and Cardinals could be on a collision course-again.