The Boston Red Sox are currently 37-36, six-and-a-half games behind the New York Yankees for first place in the American League West.
They sit just a half-game back from the third AL wild card spot, partially due to the call-up of top Major League Baseball prospect Roman Anthony.
The Red Sox have won five straight games after losing Anthony’s debut in extra innings.
However, the Red Sox have just traded All-Star third baseman Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants.
The Red Sox are still in playoff contention, so it’s unclear if Devers will be the only big name that gets moved.
If the Red Sox are retooling and still want to compete this year, they need to acquire more pitching.
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“According to FanGraphs, the Red Sox have the 19th-ranked starting rotation. To make matters worse, their collective 4.50 ERA is the sixth-highest in baseball,” wrote Athlon Sports’ Sterling Bennett.
Pittsburgh Pirates former All-Star right-hander Mitch Keller could be a target for the Red Sox.
Bennett devised a trade proposal in which the Red Sox would acquire Keller for young outfielder Wilyer Abreu.
“Keller, 29, is in the second year of a five-year, $77 million contract that runs through 2028. If Pittsburgh does not want to continue its investment through his salary escalation, the Red Sox are a suitor,” wrote Bennett. “With a crowded outfield, Boston could entice the Pirates with Wilyer Abreu as the headliner of a deal.”
Keller is having a better year than his record shows. He is 1-9 with a 4.08 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP in 15 starts this season.
Abreu, 25, is currently on the 10-day injured list with an oblique injury. He was having a solid season before the injury, hitting 13 home runs and driving in 32 runs while slashing .245/.321/.471.
Abreu won the Gold Glove award last year and put up solid offensive numbers in his first full season with the Red Sox.
More MLB: BREAKING: Red Sox trade slugging All-Star third baseman to the Giants
