Photo credit: Franklin Arias (Instagram)
The Boston Red Sox face one of their toughest decisions ahead of the MLB trade deadline. According to The Athletic, the club could trade elite prospect Franklin Arias if it lands a controllable major league shortstop.
Arias has become one of baseball’s top young talents. His rapid rise has made him a popular target for rival teams. Still, Boston has not found an offer strong enough to move the 20-year-old infielder.
Red Sox Franklin Arias trade talks focus on shortstop
According to The Athletic, several clubs have expressed interest in Arias.
One rival executive believes Boston would only include Arias in a trade for CJ Abrams of the Washington Nationals. The Red Sox reportedly are less interested in other shortstops linked to the team. Those names include Zach Neto of the Los Angeles Angels and Otto Lopez of the Miami Marlins.
Abrams, 25, has produced one of the league’s best offensive seasons. He ranks near the top of MLB in slugging percentage and OPS. He also remains under team control for two more seasons.
His offensive production makes him an attractive target. However, his defensive numbers at shortstop could concern Boston.
Franklin Arias continues to impress in the minors
Arias has boosted his value throughout the 2026 season.
He recently earned a promotion to Triple-A Worcester. He wasted little time making an impact. Arias hit two home runs during his first week with the club.
Before the promotion, he played 75 games at Double-A. He batted .318 with 19 home runs and posted a .994 OPS. He also ranked among the youngest players at that level.
His recent appearances at both shortstop and second base have sparked more trade speculation.
Boston must now decide whether Arias fits its future plans or serves as its biggest trade chip.
Red Sox continue searching for roster upgrades
Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow has taken a more aggressive approach this season.
Last weekend, Boston acquired infielder Curtis Mead in exchange for pitching prospect Connelly Early. Mead, however, broke his wrist in his Red Sox debut. That injury forced the front office back into the trade market.
Boston enters the deadline as a playoff contender. The club posted a 21-4 record in July. That marked the best calendar month in franchise history.
The impressive run could encourage the Red Sox to make another major move.
Injuries increase Boston’s need at shortstop
Injuries have left Boston thin at shortstop.
Trevor Story has missed time since May because of a sports hernia. Marcelo Mayer and Isiah Kiner-Falefa also continue recovering from forearm stress reactions.
Andruw Monasterio has filled the position well. Still, Boston does not view him as its long-term answer.
A proven shortstop could strengthen the lineup. He could also improve the team’s chances of making a deep postseason run.
Will Boston trade Franklin Arias?
Teams rarely trade top-five prospects before the deadline.
According to Baseball America, only one top-five prospect has changed teams at the MLB trade deadline since 2017.
That history makes Boston’s decision even more important.
The Red Sox must now choose between keeping Franklin Arias as a future cornerstone or using him to acquire an established shortstop who can help both now and in the coming seasons.
Source: The Athletic
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