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

Madison Bumgarner

His days of being a perennial All-Star and Cy Young candidate are behind him but Madison Bumgarner remains an effective pitcher.

A 4.03 ERA and 1.20 WHIP are a far cry from his usual standards but still suffice for the role Boston needs to fill. He’s still striking out over a batter per inning and has excellent control with a 1.9 BB/9. Bumgarner’s 4.79 K/BB ratio is actually an improvement over his career rate and ranks 8th among qualified National League starters.

The most appealing aspect of Bumgarner is his track record in the playoffs. He’s 8-3 with a 2.11 ERA in 16 postseason appearances. He’s won three World Series rings with the Giants and was the MVP of the 2014 World Series.

Bumgarner turns 30 the day after the deadline and appears to be exiting his prime years but at least this is a guy we know won’t get rattled under the bright lights of the postseason stage.

Parting with a franchise icon would be difficult for San Francisco but they are a long way from contention and Bumgarner is a free agent after the season. It would be shocking if they held on to him.

Bumgarner is a big name but shouldn’t command a huge haul considering his apparent decline and expiring contract. There will be plenty of competition for him, potentially forcing a team to overpay, but he’s an option the Red Sox need to consider if they can afford him.