Red Sox must shift priority to new relievers after Cubs beat them to Blue Jays trade

Injuries and a half-season of wear have exposed needs in the Boston Red Sox's bullpen. The front office came close to addressing them with a trade from the Toronto Blue Jays, but they were outbid for their target.

According to Peter Gammons, the Red Sox were involved in the bidding for former Blue Jay and new Chicago Cubs reliever, Nate Pearson. The 27-year-old was once considered Toronto's top pitching prospect, and would've needed significant work before becoming a difference-maker on the Sox's staff.

Pearson has a 5.63 ERA through 40 innings in the big leagues this season, as he's struggled with command. He would've been a solid trade candidate for the Red Sox if their bullpen wasn't in such a dire state due to injuries and recent struggles. In theory, Andrew Bailey could've worked his magic on Pearson with a bit more time.

Boston was outbid for Pearson, though, and now it has to focus on other relievers in the final hours before the deadline. MLB insider Jim Bowden reported that the Sox have been "pursuing" Marlins closer Tanner Scott, who's bound to be one of the most coveted relievers before 6 p.m. ET on July 30.

Red Sox whiff on Nate Pearson trade, still in the mix for late-inning arms

Scott is an impending free agent — a true rental candidate — who's pitched to a 1.18 ERA with 53 strikeouts and 27 walks over 45.2 innings in Miami. The lefty has been lights out in his past 30 games, with a 0.55 ERA and just two earned runs over that span.

The Red Sox have also been linked to Angels reliever Luis García by MLB insider Jon Heyman. He's clocked a 3.71 ERA across 43.2 innings, but he's gotten hot in the past month. García has a 2.76 ERA in his past 15 games. He would likely be a rather inexpensive addition for the Sox, as he's 37 years old and an impending free agent.

Rumors have surfaced that the Giants will listen to offers on lefty reliever Taylor Rogers, who is under contract until after the 2025 season. Rogers has been with the Giants organization since 2023 and is a former pupil of Bailey's. The 33-year-old has posted a career-best 2.16 ERA this season, with 46 strikeouts over 41.2 innings. His left-handedness would spice up Boston's heavily-right-handed bullpen, and a reunion with Bailey could produce helpful results.

Of the remaining reliever options, Scott is probably the best choice, but many contenders remain in the mix for the lefty. The Red Sox will have some stiff competition for any late-inning arms they hope to add before the deadline, but trading for at least one will be key to any success they have for a potential postseason run.

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