It is clear that the Boston Red Sox are desperate for starting pitching this offseason. While starters like Max Fried and Corbin Burnes are available in free agency, it is also a given that Craig Breslow and Co. will look to the trade market to make upgrades.
And, with the top prize being Chicago White Sox ace Garrett Crochet, it should not come as a surprise that the Red Sox are among the teams most interested. However, despite their vested interest, it has also been reported that the price for Crochet won’t be cheap, which may lead the Red Sox to pivot their attention to other options.
With that said, here are some starting pitchers that should catch Boston’s trade radar this winter.
3 Red Sox starting pitcher trade candidates not named Garrett Crochet
Luis Castillo
First on our list is Mariners righty Luis Castillo. Castillo, 31, pitched to a 3.64 ERA, a 3.91 FIP, and an ERA+ of 101 in 175.1 innings of work. While 2024 was a down year for Castillo's standards, he's primed for a bounceback 2025 and would be an excellent ace for Boston's rotation.
In his eight seasons, in addition to being an ace, Castillo has demonstrated his elite durability. In 2023, he led all of MLB, with 33 games started, just three shy of his total in 2024, and with theRed Sox's previous struggles with durable starting pitching, he would be a welcome fit in Boston.
Furthermore, with trade proposals already being made for the ace, a trade to Boston would make sense; in addition to his availability, Castillo would bring a veteran presence with playoff experience to a young Red Sox rotation.
Jesús Luzardo
Once a top-pitching prospect, Jesús Luzardo had an injury-riddled 2024. He posted a 5.00 ERA and a 91 ERA+ in 66 innings. However, despite these poor stats, his 4.26 FIP suggests that much of his struggles were down to the historically poor play of the 2024 Marlins. Additionally, when healthy, Luzardo has been a top pitcher. In 2023, Luzardo sported a 3.58 ERA, an FIP of 3.55, and an ERA+ of 131 in 178.2 innings.
Luzardo would be a solid alternative to Crochet, as he is still just 27 and has a few years of control left. Furthermore, with rumors that he has been put up on the Marlins’ trade block, he would be an excellent get by Breslow.
Jordan Montgomery
The last pitcher on our list is Jordan Montgomery of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Montgomery, 31, is coming off easily the worst season of his career. In 117 innings pitched for Arizona, Montgomery produced a 6.23 ERA, a FIP of 4.48, and an ERA+ of 67. While this stat line might rightfully turn some heads away from Montgomery, it is clear that he needs a move away from Arizona. With an entire offseason ahead, Montgomery could have a significant bounce back in 2025 — he clocked a 3.20 ERA, a 3.56 FIP, and an ERA+ of 154 in 188.2 innings between the Cardinals and Rangers in 2023.
While Montgomery may not be an elite option, a trade for the southpaw would make sense, as Boston was heavily in on him before he ultimately signed with the Diamondbacks last offseason. Montgomery has also shown the ability to be a top-of-the-line starter, and with his prior postseason success, he may be a tempting piece for Breslow to go after.