The Boston Red Sox have had their fair share of issues since the trade deadline, and rough pitching has cost them in the win column.
The Red Sox's starters have been solid lately, but not without a few trials. James Paxton made three appearances before his season ended due to a partially torn calf. Top pitching prospect Richard Fitts posted a solid debut on Sept. 8, but he was called up because Tanner Houck needed extra rest.
As Boston's staff runs out of gas, another hurler has turned his season around, and Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report believes he would've been a quality addition to its rotation before the trade deadline. Had the Sox traded for Blake Snell, they could still be in the mix for a Wild Card spot.
Snell was expected to be one of the most coveted pitchers of the 2023-24 offseason, but he and Scott Boras didn't secure the blockbuster contract they'd hoped for. Snell signed a one-year deal with the Giants with a player option for the 2025 season, and his season did not begin well — Snell missed spring training, which delayed his campaign.
Bleacher Report's biggest miss for Red Sox at trade deadline could be available in free agency this winter
Bowden Francis: 34.1 IP, 39 K, 1.05 ERA, .089 BAA
— MLB (@MLB) September 3, 2024
Blake Snell: 38.1 IP, 53 K, 1.64 ERA, no-hitter on August 2
Your AL and NL Pitchers of the Month for August! pic.twitter.com/cVYLcBH2xs
Snell posted a 6.31 ERA with 17 walks and 42 strikeouts in eight starts before the All-Star break. After the Midsummer Classic, he became the pitcher MLB fans expected — he's posted a 1.76 ERA with 82 strikeouts and 24 walks in 10 appearances, which includes a no-hitter in August.
If Snell opts not to use his player option for the 2025 season, he'll become a free agent this winter. Nick Pivetta is also an impending free agent and it's unlikely the Red Sox will re-sign him. Garrett Whitlock will be on the shelf until midseason due to his Tommy John surgery recovery, and Boston's rotation will definitely need reinforcements.
The beginning of Snell's 2024 campaign could shrink the length and price of the exorbitant deal he sought last winter. If he reaches free agency for a more reasonable price, the Red Sox should pursue Snell as an experienced anchor to the rotation.