The Boston Red Sox are still determining their trade deadline approach, but chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said he's been searching for a starting pitcher to strengthen his rotation.
Red Sox legend Pedro Martínez agrees that Boston needs an arm. On a recent episode of the Bleacher Report "Walk Off" podcast, Martínez said he believes the Red Sox's priority should be an impact starter.
The Boston legend also stated that the hurler should be a veteran. The Red Sox are a young team and few players on the squad have playoff experience. He thinks a postseason-tested hurler could help the young Sox stay cool under the playoff pressure.
Martínez highlighted mental toughness as a key to success for the last few months of the season. He mentors the Red Sox's youngest pitcher, Brayan Bello, who has been known to let his emotions get the best of him.
Pedro Martínez thinks the Red Sox should acquire an "impact starting pitcher" before the trade deadline
What does @45PedroMartinez think the Red Sox need at the deadline?
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) July 9, 2024
Watch Pedro LIVE right now 👉 https://t.co/K4USsbrNgL pic.twitter.com/mcAjdEJnff
There are a number of experienced pitchers the Red Sox could pursue at the deadline who suit Breslow and Martínez's desires. Erick Fedde, Tyler Anderson, Chris Bassitt, Kevin Gausman, Jack Flaherty and many others could bring knowledge and guidance to Boston's young rotation, and young team, as a whole.
Breslow previously hoped to find a middle infielder for his squad — which may not be necessary anymore with the rise of David Hamilton and Ceddanne Rafaela — and he emphasized that he was seeking "temporary" help. He did not say the same of a starting pitcher. The Sox may be looking for a hurler with years of control left on their contract, which narrows the trade pool.
Breslow and Martínez seem on the same page about Boston's biggest need. A pitcher with years of MLB and postseason experience would elevate the Red Sox's rotation and help their young players learn on the fly.