As the Boston Red Sox move forward into the second half of the season as trade deadline buyers, they remain on the hunt for starting pitching.
However, whereas most assume the team will look to pair one of the market's top-tier starters — possibly Arizona's Zac Gallen or Merrill Kelly, or Pittsburgh's Mitch Keller — with Garrett Crochet atop the rotation, the recent emergence of Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito could push their sights lower.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Charlie Morton could be a trade deadline target of Craig Breslow and Co. if they're looking to make a blockbuster swing elsewhere.
While being interviewed ahead of the 2025 All-Star Game, Rosenthal reflected on the Red Sox's turnaround since trading Rafael Devers, claiming that the team is ready to be buyers at the trade deadline.
"A couple of weeks ago, things might have looked differently in terms of what they needed as well. I would have said a No. 2 starter behind Garrett Crochet. But, the way Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito have pitched in recent weeks, maybe they don't need to aim quite that high," Rosenthal said.
MLB insider Ken Rosenthal connects Red Sox with Charlie Morton ahead of trade deadline
Red Sox fans, how do you feel about trading for Charlie Morton? 🤔@Ken_Rosenthal explains why it's an option that makes sense for Boston... pic.twitter.com/OQfl6FrtRt
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) July 15, 2025
Then, he proceeded to drop Morton's name, suggesting that the veteran right-hander's relationship with manager Alex Cora (from their shared time in Houston) could push a deal over the edge.
Morton has been a frequent target of previous Red Sox administrations, though the 41-year-old has had a difficult season in his first year in Baltimore. Through 83 1/3 innings (20 appearances, 14 starts) this season, Morton has logged a 5.18 ERA (4.34 FIP). His advanced metrics have generally taken a nosedive, including his 19th-percentile exit velocity allowed.
However, as Rosenthal notes, Morton has been much better of late. After surrendering a ghastly 9.45 ERA in March and April he's gotten better in each subsequent month, allowing a 3.98 ERA in May, 2.88 ERA in June, and 2.38 ERA thus far in July. Plus, after being sheltered in the bullpen after his rough start, Morton has returned to starting full-time and hasn't allowed more than four earned runs in a start since April 20.
For a team that just lost Hunter Dobbins for the season, Morton wouldn't be the worst depth option to consider, especially since his $15 million salary would drive down the already-minuscule prospect cost it would take to acquire him, assuming the Orioles are willing to trade him to a division rival.
Nevertheless, Morton is hardly the big swing Red Sox fans want to see the team take at the trade deadline. With Crochet pitching like a Cy Young contender and Bello and Giolito proving themselves as solid mid-rotation options, bringing in another ace or No. 2 starter could transform this rotation into a legitimate postseason juggernaut.