The Boston Red Sox are hovering in the middle of the pack, good enough to stay relevant but not yet built for October.
If that is going to change, the starting rotation likely needs reinforcement. Boston’s pitching staff ranks near the middle in most major categories: 17th in ERA (3.98), 19th in earned runs allowed (353) and 14th in strikeouts (746).
A few potential arms worth watching, including the Washington Nationals’ Michael Soroka, have been identified by Alex Mayes of Talk Sox.
The veteran right-hander has posted a 4.70 ERA with 64 strikeouts this season and relies more on location than velocity. Soroka’s appeal may have taken a hit when he allowed seven earned runs over four innings against the Red Sox on July 4.
Even so, Mayes believes he “makes a lot of sense as an improvement over Walker Buehler” and could challenge Richard Fitts for the No. 4 spot if acquired. Soroka is also affordable. He is on a one-year, $9 million deal, and Mayes noted “the Nationals likely wouldn’t be looking for a ton in return.”
Story continues below advertisement
For a higher-upside play, Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo has been labeled a “bright spot” by Mayes and carries a 3.52 ERA with 85 strikeouts. “He reminds me a lot of a left-handed Lucas Giolito, and their pitch mix is fairly similar as well,” Mayes wrote.
Lodolo is under control through 2027, making him a pricier target, but Mayes argued that “a controllable left-handed pitcher to slot into the third rotation spot is worth the upfront cost.”
Arizona Diamondbacks starter Zac Gallen is another name the Red Sox could monitor. His 5.45 ERA does not reflect his full value and postseason experience. Mayes highlights Gallen’s three top 10 Cy Young finishes and pending free-agent status as reasons for intrigue.
If the Red Sox plan to lean into buyer mode, these arms, each with different price points and profiles, could reshape the rotation for the stretch run.
Story continues below advertisement