The Boston Red Sox traded All-Star third baseman Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants, marking a significant move for a team that’s still in playoff contention at 37-36.
The Red Sox sit just a half-game back from the third AL wild card spot, though they’re six-and-a-half games behind the Yankees in the American League East. They’ve won five straight after losing Roman Anthony’s debut in extra innings, getting a boost from the top prospect’s call-up.
With Boston still competing for a playoff spot, it’s unclear if Devers will be the only big name moved. If they’re retooling while trying to stay competitive, pitching becomes the obvious need.
Rotation Needs Run Deep
The numbers tell the story. According to reports, the Red Sox have the 19th-ranked starting rotation in baseball. Their collective 4.50 ERA ranks as the sixth-highest in the majors – that’s not going to cut it in a playoff race.
Mitch Keller from the Pittsburgh Pirates could be an answer. Athlon Sports’ Sterling Bennett proposed a trade that would send the former All-Star right-hander to Boston 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. With a crowded outfield, Boston could entice the Pirates with Wilyer Abreu as the headliner of a deal.”
What Makes This Work
Keller’s having a better year than his 1-9 record suggests. His 4.08 ERA and 1.25 WHIP across 15 starts show he’s been solid despite limited run support from Pittsburgh’s struggling offense.
The 29-year-old is locked up through 2028 on a reasonable deal, giving Boston rotation stability beyond this season.
Abreu makes sense as the centerpiece going back. The 25-year-old is currently on the 10-day IL with an oblique injury, but he was having a solid season before going down. He’s hit 13 home runs and driven in 32 runs while slashing .245/.321/.471.
Last year’s Gold Glove winner put up solid offensive numbers in his first full season with the Red Sox, but Boston’s crowded outfield situation makes him expendable.
The way I see it, this trade addresses Boston’s most pressing need while moving a quality player they can afford to lose. With Anthony’s arrival and other outfield options, Abreu becomes the logical trade candidate to upgrade the rotation for a playoff push.
