The Boston Red Sox are built on productive starting pitching as they compete for a playoff spot in 2024.
All-Star selection Tanner Houck leads the way while Kutter Crawford took another leap forward. Nick Pivetta and Brayan Bello both founds pockets of consistency to boost the group.
Ultimately, those arms are racking up innings and will need support in the rotation. That’s where the trade deadline presents the right opportunity to manage workloads and add talent.
Getting another starter should go miles for the Red Sox to extend the rotation, protect surrounding arms and boost Boston closer to the postseason. Whether seeking a reunion or making new additions, the team has opportunities to improve.
Here are five starters the Red Sox could potentially target at the trade deadline.
MICHAEL LORENZEN
The Texas Rangers right-hander made sense for the Red Sox in the past and certainly would again if his team does decide to sell.
The 32-year-old has given his team a chance to win consistently and posted so far making 17 starts. Lorenzen is 5-5 with a 3.53 ERA and offers exactly what the Red Sox need: innings and production to supplement Houck and Crawford.
Ultimately, the Rangers’ play up to the deadline will determine this possibility.
NATHAN EOVALDI
While it’s rather unlikely, here’s the deal for the Red Sox to dream about.
Boston already knows Eovaldi provides electric stuff and durable innings. He powered playoff runs for the Red Sox in 2018 and 2021, shouldering the weight of the staff under the brightest of lights. He’s as much of an impact add as the Red Sox could find.
Eovaldi has also made 17 starts with a 3.36 ERA. Like Lorenzen, this may not become a possibility if the Rangers roll into the deadline with momentum and returning players from injury.
ERICK FEDDE
The Chicago White Sox have struggled tremendously in 2024. In that span, Fedde has been rather productive with a 2.98 ERA across 20 starts as one of few bright spots.
That’s another capable righty the Red Sox can look into as he’s also under contract through next season.
JACK FLAHERTY
The former St. Louis Cardinal appears to have found a groove this season with the Detroit Tigers.
He’s racking up strikeouts with 127 in just over 100 innings. That’s production that would likely take a step up with Andrew Bailey being able to add insight. Flaherty is 7-5 with a 3.13 ERA in 17 starts and could bolster the output of the Red Sox rotation beyond just providing innings.
JAMESON TAILLON
The Chicago Cubs right-hander seems to be in the wheelhouse for the Red Sox.
His contract (under control through the 2026 season) and production for the current rotation validates that.
He’s putting together a solid season with a 2.96 ERA across 17 starts. Taillon also has a feel for the American League East after spending 2021 and 2022 with the New York Yankees.
