Red Sox Trade Idea Lands $168 Million All-Star to Solve First Base Problem

Red Sox Trade Idea Lands $168 Million All-Star to Solve First Base Problem originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Since Triston Casas suffered a torn patellar tendon in a fall at first base on May 2, the Boston Red Sox have been searching for a full-time solution at the first base position. It feels, however, like they've been doing more hoping than actual searching. 

After three-time All-Star Rafael Devers flatly refused to try on a first baseman's mitt, and ended up shipped out of town at least partly as a result, the Red Sox have settled on a platoon of journeymen Abraham Toro and Romy Gonzalez to fill the corner infield slot. But a new trade proposal by WEEI Radio podcast would bring a two-time Gold Glove first baseman to Boston.

The trade idea comes from the Play Tessie podcast, which airs a weekly "Who Says No?" segment, pitching hypothetical Red Sox trades that in many cases address immediate needs of the team. In this week's case, the trade idea addresses multiple needs.

But is the idea any good?

The other Red Sox need addressed by the Play Tessie trade pitch would be to rid the Boston rotation of Walker Buehler. The Red Sox signed the former Los Angeles Dodgers ace to a one-year, $21.05 million free agent contract in the offseason, but the move has not paid off.

In his 14 starts Buehler has compiled as bloated 6.45 ERA and in his last three outings has surrendered 17 earned runs in 11 1/3 innings. Not great.

The trade pitch would send Buehler and outfielder Jarren Duran to the Atlanta Braves, and bring back a package highlighted by two-time All-Star first-bagger Matt Olson, along with southpaw reliever Dylan Lee — currently sporting a 2.37 ERA in 38 innings — and another left-handed pitcher, 18-year-old minor-leaguer Cam Caminiti, the Braves overall No. 1 prospect.

"If the Red Sox are going to trade Duran, the ask needs to be high," wrote Play Tessie co-host Nat Gordon. "Adding a middle of the order bat, a great controllable lefty reliever, and a 2024 first round pitching prospect, plus shedding Buehler’s remaining salary would tempt me."

Who says no? 

Probably the Braves, for starters. Atlanta sits 7 1/2 games out of a Wild Card spot with 78 games remaining to play. Their major offseason free agent signing Jurickson Profar finally returns from an 80-game PED suspension on Wednesday. Last year's Cy Young winner Chris Sale is on the 60-day injured list, but expected back this season. 

And righty Spencer Strider remains solid with a 3.86 ERA since returning from elbow surgery earlier this year. 

In other words, the Braves still have a chance to keep their streak of playoff appearances, now at seven straight years, alive. They seem unlikely to give up an All-Star first baseman, a reliable left reliever, and their No. 1 prospect for a slumping outfielder and a pitcher who appears over the hill. 

Related: Braves Fans In Disbelief After Injury Announcement on Wednesday

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared.