Boston, MA
Red Sox Blockbuster Trade Idea Brings $19 Million Astros 2-Time All-Star To Boston
The Boston Red Sox still have a long way to go before they can consider themselves World Series contenders.
It may be a harsh dose of reality, but it needs to be said. The Red Sox made a big-time trade last week, bringing in Garrett Crochet to be their new ace, but behind Crochet, the rest of the rotation still looks a bit iffy.
Tanner Houck, Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, and Lucas Giolito could all give the Red Sox strong seasons if things break right. But in today’s game, things almost never break right, especially with the constant injury risks pitchers are facing.
Should the Red Sox, then, make one more blockbuster trade?
Drew Koch of FanSided recently named the Red Sox as a possible trade destination for Houston Astros two-time All-Star Framber Valdez, who is entering his walk year at age 31. Houston already traded Kyle Tucker this winter, signaling that Valdez is likely available.
“The Boston Red Sox already emptied the farm system to land Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox, but the cupboard is not bare,” Koch said.
“Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer are probably off limits, but a young shortstop prospect like Franklin Arias —ranked in the top 100 according to MLB Pipeline— could be the headliner of a trade package heading back to Houston. The Astros need to beef up their farm system, and Boston could help facilitate that.”
Valdez is projected to make $18.8 million in arbitration this season (via Spotrac) thanks to his excellent career to this point. He’ll likely command even more than that in free agency for several years to come, so this will be the cheapest opportunity Boston has to get him, even for one year.
This could be Boston’s opportunity to go all-in on the 2025 season. If Houston commands a reasonable price, which they should, considering there’s only one year of control left on Valdez’s deal, they should look at this situation as a true rental.
Sure, there’s potential for an extension if Valdez truly loves pitching in Boston. But why not put some chips on the table for the short term in a wide-open American League?
More MLB: Why Red Sox Insider ‘Would Be Shocked’ If Boston Doesn’t Sign Another Star Free Agent
Getty
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 01: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts in the first quarter during their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on November 01, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
On Sunday night, the Boston Celtics played the Charlotte Hornets in North Carolina.
The Celtics won by a score of 114-99.
Boston Celtics Star Jayson Tatum Made History
GettyFOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 26: Jayson Tatum, player of Boston Celtics looks on prior to the international friendly match between Brazil and France at Gillette Stadium on March 26, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Jayson Tatum finished the win with 32 points, five rebounds, eight assists and one block while shooting 12/23 from the field and 5/10 from three-point range in 31 minutes of playing time.
Tatum also made history during the game.
Celtics Stats wrote: “Jayson Tatum scored his 14,000th career point tonight at Charlotte, becoming the ninth player in franchise history to reach that mark.”
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 06: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the second quarter at TD Garden on March 06, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Tatum is now averaging 20.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.1 steals per contest while shooting 39.9% from the field and 32.3% from three-point range in 11 games this season.
Celtics Stats added: “Jayson Tatum recorded a season-high 32 points tonight at Charlotte. It marked his 16th career game with at least 30 points without committing a turnover – the most in franchise history.”
GettyCHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 02: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics dunks against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half of the game at Spectrum Center on November 02, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Celtics After Hornets Victory
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 26: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks on against the Detroit Pistons during the second quarter at Little Caesars Arena on October 26, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
With their win over the Hornets, the Celtics improved to 50-24 in 74 games, which has them as the second seed in the Eastern Conference.
They are in the middle of a three-game winning streak (and have won seven out of their last ten).
On the road, the Celtics have gone 24-13.
Following the Hornets, they will play their next game on Monday night when they visit the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena in Georgia.
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 08: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics talks with head coach Joe Mazzulla during the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers at TD Garden on March 08, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Boston Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 111-101. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
With Tatum playing like himself, the Celtics will have a real chance to win their second title in three years.
They are coming off a year where they lost to Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks in the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs.
Hornets After Boston Loss
GettyCHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – MARCH 26: (R-L) LaMelo Ball #1 talks with Moussa Diabate #14 of the Charlotte Hornets in the second half against the New York Knicks during their game at Spectrum Center on March 26, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
The Hornets dropped to 39-36 in 75 games, which has them as the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference.
They are in the middle of a two-game losing skid (but have won seven out of ten).
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years.
He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar
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Boston, MA
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