Boston Red Sox: 5 starting pitchers to target at the MLB Trade Deadline
With the injury to Eduardo Rodriguez, the Boston Red Sox may suddenly be in the market for a starting pitcher prior to the MLB non-waiver trade deadline.
Entering the second half of the 2018 MLB season with a 68-30 record and on top of the American League East, the Boston Red Sox front office is all in on winning a fourth World Series championship and are reportedly willing to cross the luxury tax threshold to obtain it.
With Eduardo Rodriguez dealing with a serious ankle injury and both Drew Pomeranz and Steven Wright on the disabled list, a starting pitcher could suddenly be on the team’s shopping list.
To get someone who can help them who could be a factor in the team’s championship hopes, they are going to have to take on a hefty contract and are apparently willing to do so.
"“There’s a willingness from our bosses,” Red Sox president and CEO Sam Kennedy told NBC Sports prior to the All-Star Game on Tuesday. “John [Henry] and Tom [Werner] have made very clear to me and to Dave: Look, let’s see how the market develops, and we want to do what it takes to try and win a fourth World Series championship. I don’t know how the market’s going to play out, but we’re getting close here.”"
That doesn’t mean the Red Sox will go out and do something outrageous, but if it makes sense in helping the team win, then they will pursue any deal that presents itself. Quite frankly, they should.
While Chris Sale is his usual dominant self, Rick Porcello isn’t a lock when it comes to reliability and we all know David Price’s issues. While the lefty has the ability to be a dominant presence on the mound, his mental toughness continues to be a question mark.
With the offensive power the Houston Astros and New York Yankees have, another frontline starter could help the Red Sox get over the hump in the playoffs. If Rodriguez, Pomeranz, and/or Wright doe return, that will just bolster the pitching staff. At the same time, the team won’t have to depend on the health of each of those players.