Red Sox trade targets: High priced starting pitchers

Kevin Gausman

Oct 10, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Kevin Gausman (39) in game one of the 2014 ALCS playoff baseball game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

The name on this risk that undoubtedly carries the greatest risk, is Kevin Gausman. It is also VERY unlikely the Orioles would be willing to trade him, but if they lose out on Nick Markakis and Nelson Cruz then they will be desperate for some offense. Mookie Betts could play OF or 2B for the Orioles depending on how they view Jonathan Schoop, and given the presence of fellow pitching phenoms Hunter Harvey and Dylan Bundy the Orioles may be willing to move Gausman in order to recapture the explosive offense that lead them to the postseason in 2014.

Gausman has fantastic upside, with the ability to power the front of a rotation. In 20 starts in his first season as a full time starter he earned a 3.57 ERA, but the 23 year old was better than that. His FIP was 3.41 and Baltimore’s sometimes shoddy defense did him no favors. Gausman is still risky because he is not proven, but talent evaluators around the league rave about his ability and while he has question marks, he is also the furthest away from free agency (2021) of the names listed here. A straight up swap for Betts wouldn’t get it done, but the inclusion of some of our major league ready right handed pitchers might be enough to strike a deal.