
Trade #2: Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals
Cardinals get: Jay Groome and C.J. Chatham
Red Sox get: Carlos Martinez and Kolten Wong
The Red Sox need bullpen help like almost no other (sorry, Nationals). Martinez represents a major upgrade to the back end of a bullpen that sorely misses Craig Kimbrel and is in major need of a reliable arm. Wong would make a very nice, slick-fielding, left-handed insurance plan on Dustin Pedroia‘s knee.
Both players are under control for a number of years beyond 2019, and both are flexible in their roles. Martinez has the ability to go multiple innings, and could even start in 2020. Wong has played center field in the past, and his elite defense should translate all over the diamond.
The Cardinals would be getting something they haven’t had in quite a while: a left-handed starter with big upside. Groome (Boston #4) was taken 12th overall in the 2016 draft and has struggled with injuries during his short pro career. However, when healthy, Groome has showcased the fantastic curveball and mid-90s fastball that gave him so much draft intrigue. Chatham (Boston #8) is a high contact, slick-fielding shortstop currently in AA.