Red Sox Interested In Trade With Dodgers For Young Backup
The Red Sox could be targeting Dalton Rushing
The Boston Red Sox have been active this offseason, and Craig Breslow’s preferred method to add players has been through trades.
Breslow has pulled off trades for Sonny Gray, Johan Oviedo and Willson Contreras. His next target could be a better backup catcher for Carlos Narváez. Connor Wong had just a .500 OPS in 63 games.
Wong was much better in 2024 and could have a bounce-back season. However, according to MassLive’s Sean McAdam, the Red Sox “remain active” in pursuit of an upgrade behind Narváez. McAdam noted they looked at J.T. Realmuto and Victor Caratini in free agency before they signed elsewhere. However, they are also showing interest in Dalton Rushing, Will Smith’s backup in Los Angeles.
“The Sox’ search to land someone to pair with Carlos Narvaez has been ongoing since last summer,” McAdam wrote on Sunday. “They contacted the White Sox to see if they would consider trading Kyle Teel back to them, and showed interest in the (Los Angeles) Dodgers’ Dalton Rushing. A month out from spring training, Connor Wong is still the No. 2 catcher, but his hold on the position is tenuous.”
Rushing was the Dodgers’ top prospect before making his debut. However, with Smith signed to a 10-year, $140 million deal, there is no real path to Rushing getting regular playing time. The Dodgers cannot use the designated hitter spot to get him at-bats since they have Shohei Ohtani penciled in there every game for the next eight years.
Rushing is a valuable trade chip for the Dodgers and would be a great player to slot in behind Narváez. He did not have the best rookie season, but his at-bats were very limited. He slashed .204/.258/.324 in 53 games, but he has plenty of talent.
Contreras has noted that he is open to spending some time behind the plate again, after switching to first base last season. However, the Red Sox prefer him at first base and designated hitter. A player like Rushing could continue to grow in Boston and become a valuable piece.
He’s only 24 years old and has plenty of club control. However, it’s unclear what the Dodgers’ asking price would be for a young, valuable depth piece.
