3 Starting Pitchers the Red Sox Must Target at the Trade Deadline
By Tyler Maher
Rich Hill, SP, Pittsburgh Pirates
If the Red Sox are just looking for a cheap innings-eater, Hill could be their man. The 43-year-old southpaw hasn’t missed a start all season, going 7-9 with a 4.84 ERA and a 1.45 WHIP in 109 2/3 innings for the rebuilding Pirates.
Hill was solid for Boston last year before leaving in free agency, going 8-7 with a 4.27 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP. The Massachusetts native is comfortable pitching at Fenway Park and would be a familiar face for Cora and many of his players.
The veteran lefty would also be relatively cheap to acquire, as Pittsburgh wouldn’t be able to demand much for an aging league-average pitcher. He’s also on a one-year deal, so the Red Sox wouldn’t be stuck with him if he gets hurt or finally falls apart.
This is the type of low-risk move that Bloom typically loves.