3 Red Sox Prospects Who Should be Untouchable in Trade Talks

Given their inconsistent starting rotation and shambolic bullpen, it's almost a certainty that the Boston Red Sox will look to move some top prospects in order to gear up for another October run. While their farm system has been depleted in recent years from multiple seasons of trading for players at the deadline and not picking high in the draft, Boston still has a few studs lying around that can't be traded under any circumstances.

3. RHP Bryan Mata

A former Futures Game star, Mata has struck out 70 batters in 67 innings between Class-A Advanced Salem and Double-A Portland. He features two fastballs with movement that sit in the mid 90s and a changeup that has become his strikeout pitch this season. Given Jay Groome's Tommy John surgery, Mata has become the best pitching prospect the Red Sox have in their system. If he keeps improving, Mata could make his MLB debut some time next season.

2. 3B Bobby Dalbec

Dalbec has been mashing with Double-A Portland, launching 19 home runs in just 87 games. He still has some holes in his swing, as evidenced by his 94 strikeouts, but his raw power is unmatched by anyone in the Red Sox' system. Rafael Devers might create a road block for Dalbec at third base, but his bat is too enticing to give up for a non-superstar reliever at the deadline.

1. 1B Triston Casas

Boston's first round pick in 2018, Casas has spent most of this year destroying Single-A baseball with the Greenville Drive. With 37 extra base hits in 81 games and the ability to hit to all fields, Casas is a surprisingly advanced hitter for someone that is just 19 years old. Trading Casas could be giving up on someone that is going to hit 20 home runs at the big league level with his eyes closed. If there's any prospect Dave Dombrowski keeps come the month's end, it should be Casas.