The Boston Red Sox have seen inconsistency among their starters all season. They have a bona fide ace in Garrett Crochet at the top of the rotation, and Lucas Giolito has served as a decent number two option with a 7-2 record and a 3.80 ERA. However, after that things get way dicier. Brayan Bello has been servicable, but hasn’t pitched that many innings due to injury, and Walker Buehler has been inconsistent all year, but is a pitcher that certainly performs well in the playoffs.
With just a day to go before the MLB trade deadline, Boston has a few needs, but one of them is certainly a depth starter to replace Richard Fitts, who would be the first man out in the rotation. With the Chicago White Sox being sellers, Boston should inquire about one of their best starters this season.
Boston Could Land Adrian Houser
The market is starting to grow for Chicago White Sox starter Adrian Houser, who is having a serviceable season, and could help just about any rotation with their depth. He’s on a minor league deal and is set to be a free agent after this season. And the bidding war may come down to three American League East teams, with the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees reportedly in on the 2.10 ERA starter as well. In a “prove-it” contract season, Houser has done just that. He’s made 11 starts since mid-May, has 68.2 innings pitched this season, so he could be considered a fresh arm, and has a bWAR of 3.0.
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com recently listed Houser as a player most likely to be traded:
“Houser has been a popular trade candidate this month, with a number of teams calling the White Sox about the 32-year-old. After opting out of his Minor League deal with the Rangers in mid-May, Houser signed with Chicago and has been a revelation, going 6-2 with a 2.1o ERA in 11 starts. Heâs earning only $1.35 million this season, making him an inexpensive rotation option for contenders in need of an innings-eater. Houser is averaging more than six innings per start for the White Sox, consistently getting weak contact (heâs in the 94th percentile in barrel rate) while posting solid ground-ball numbers (48.1%).”
The fact that Houser is such an inexpensive arm and also on an expiring contract leaves many insiders to believe he will certainly be on the move.
The Red Sox Need Houser for a Playoff Push
The Boston Red Sox are currently 58-51, and in control of the second Wild Card spot in the AL, but there are five teams within four games of one of the three WC opportunities, and the Red Sox have to continue playing good baseball if they want to hold onto their spot.
The Red Sox wouldn’t even have to give up much for Houser, who again is inexpensive and is likely a rental starter anyway. It would make sense for Boston to offer a top-fifteen prospect or so for him. The Chicago White Sox are rebuilding, so anyone who could be developed in their system is a welcome addition.
As for Boston’s top needs, a depth starter is certainly one of them, and they are also still looking for a first baseman. However, Kristian Campbell has spent some of his time in Triple-A working on first base, and could be called up again soon to man the hot corner.
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