As Red Sox trade rumors swirl, a top prospect is bulking up; another is working on his changeup

NEWTON — The Red Sox have several areas they need to address this offseason.

They must add at least one power hitter . They are open to acquiring another starting pitcher after dealing for Sonny Gray . Every infield position, except for shortstop with Trevor Story returning , remains an uncertainty right now. Boston also could look to add an arm or two to the bullpen .

Free agency is one route to address the needs. Trading top prospects is another avenue.

Pitchers Payton Tolle and Connelly Early, who Baseball America ranks Boston’s Nos. 1 and 3 prospects respectively, have both been mentioned in trade rumors this offseason and dating back to the July 31 trade deadline. But they have done their best to avoid trade speculation.

“I’ve kind of tried to separate myself from socia