Could Red Sox Cut Ties With Brayan Bello After His Uneven 2026 Season?
Trade interest remains uncertain
Bello is under contract with Boston for three more seasons, with a club option for 2030. McAdam said on the Fenway Rundown podcast that the Red Sox would hear from interested teams, but he did not describe a trade as an active plan.
McAdam said Bello was not untouchable and that Boston would not automatically end a conversation about him. That leaves open the possibility of a deal without indicating that the team is seeking one.
An uneven season on the mound
Bello finished 2026 with a 4.33 ERA after posting a 3.35 ERA across 29 appearances in 2025, including 28 starts. His role shifted during the season, and he struggled in starts early on before being sent to Triple-A.
He was more effective late in the year. His final two regular-season appearances were starts, and he allowed one run over 12 innings for a 0.75 ERA.
Reasons Boston might keep him
Bello is 27, has several years of team control remaining, and has shown the ability to succeed in the rotation. In 2025, he was Boston’s No. 2 starter down the stretch and helped the team reach the playoffs.
The article describes Boston’s rotation as lefty-heavy, listing Garrett Crochet, Payton Tolle, Ranger Suarez and Jake Bennett. It argues Bello could provide a right-handed option and serve as a No. 2 or No. 3 starter, with further upside.
A trade would need value
A deal could make sense if Boston received a strong return and used it to pursue a more proven option. The article names Elly De La Cruz and CJ Abrams as examples of players who might justify including Bello in a major trade.
Otherwise, the account argues that his contract and potential make a simple move difficult to justify. It also contains a timing inconsistency: it discusses a decision after the 2026 season but later says Bello should remain on the roster in 2026.
Key points
- McAdam said Boston would listen to offers for Bello but is not necessarily trying to trade him.
- Bello posted a 4.33 ERA in 2026 after a 3.35 ERA in 2025.
- He ended the 2026 regular season with two strong starts, allowing one run in 12 innings.
- Bello has three contract seasons remaining and a 2030 club option.