Red Sox Rumors: 5 starting pitchers to target before MLB trade deadline

With the Boston Red Sox rumored to be seeking a starting pitcher, here are five options they should consider before the MLB trade deadline.

The MLB trade deadline is only a few weeks away and the Boston Red Sox are expected to be active. If they have any hope of overcoming a nine-game deficit in the AL East or securing a Wild Card ticket to the postseason, upgrading the pitching staff is a must.

Boston is rumored to be eyeing the starting pitching market as the deadline approaches. While the bullpen has received the harshest criticism, Boston is betting that inserting Nathan Eovaldi into the closer role will stabilize their relief core. Eovaldi’s move to the bullpen when he returns means the Red Sox still have a hole at the back end of the rotation though.

The handful of pitchers who have filled that role since Eovaldi hit the injured list have combined to go 2-7 with a 6.79 ERA. Boston doesn’t need to pull off a blockbuster deal for a frontline starter. Finding a serviceable solution at the back of the rotation would be a significant upgrade that could be worth a few extra wins down the stretch.

A tight budget and a weak farm system will limit their options but there should be starters available on the trade market in their price range.

Here are a handful of pitchers who might be on the market by the end of this month who Boston should keep an eye on.