The Boston Red Sox are looking to make a move ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline. The Red Sox could use a starting pitcher or a first baseman for their playoff push, but they’ll also have to give up something to get what they need.
The Red Sox reportedly turned down an offer from the San Diego Padres for Jarren Durran, crossing one rumored trade target off the list. Other players, such as Connor Wong, may not be productive enough to fetch a mid-tier target, leaving Boston to have to dive into their farm system to facilitate a deal.
The situation puts the crosshairs on one prospect in particular that became a fan favorite during Spring Training but may never play a major league game for the Red Sox.
Red Sox Prospect Jhostynxon Garcia is Boston’s Top Trade Chip At MLB Trade Deadline
Jhostnyxon Garcia put himself on the map with his long first name during Spring Training. But he’s shown that he’s more than just a nickname during a breakout 2025 season.
Garcia began the year at Double-A Portland and earned a promotion despite hitting .256/.355/.393 with three homers and 17 RBI in his first 33 games. For whatever reason, the 22-year-old’s numbers got better when he was promoted to Triple-A Worcester, hitting .295/.370/.530 with 11 homers and 31 RBI.
The performance helped Garcia represent the Red Sox in this year’s Futures Game and break into MLB Pipeline’s top 100 prospect rankings. But while fans could be excited to see “The Password” at Fenway Park, there doesn’t seem to be a path for him to get to the majors.
Duran doesn’t seem to be going anywhere unless a team sweeps the Red Sox away with an offer. Roman Anthony is a long-term piece that shook off some initial struggles in the majors, while Wilyer Abreu is under team control through the 2028 season, and Ceddane Rafaela is at the beginning of an eight-year, $50 million contract extension that has a club option for the 2032 season.
This is where things get interesting. Miami Marlins pitcher Sandy Alcántara could be on Boston’s wish list at the deadline, and Garcia could find his way to join an outfield that currently includes Jesús Sanchez, Dane Myers, and All-Star Kyle Stowers. Garcia could also be an avenue to acquire Dylan Cease from the Padres and give them the outfield depth they need for a playoff push.
It would be an abrupt end to Garcia’s tenure with the Red Sox organization that began as an international signing in 2019. But if Boston can get something for him, he could wind up helping the playoff push in an unexpected way.