The Major League Baseball trade deadline is three days away, and teams like the Boston Red Sox are firmly in the market for a starting pitcher. Boston is 57-50 and holds the third Wild Card slot in the American League.
The Red Sox have an ace in Garrett Crochet, and even Lucas Giolito was solid when he took the ball. However, the rotation gets a little dicier after that, and arms like Walker Buehler and Brayan Bello have been inconsistent.
With the Chicago White Sox being sellers, Boston should make calls on one of their starters, who has been surprisingly efficient this season.
Red Sox Acquire Adrian Houser from White Sox
Adrian Houser has sneakily been one of the better starters in the American League this season, and his name has now emerged in several trade discussions. Heâs on quite a journey after his release by the Texas Rangers in May. The White Sox signed him to a one-year, minor league deal, and he’s arguably been their best starter.
He was ineffective in 2024, with a 5.84 ERA in 69.1 innings for the New York Mets. However, Adrian Houser must have unlocked something this offseason because in 68.2 innings with the White Sox, he has a 2.10 ERA over 11 starts. What makes him a compelling trade candidate is the fact he hasn’t thrown that many innings, so his arm is thought to be fresh.
Mark Feinsand recently named Houser as one of the players 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 5-2 with a 1.89 ERA in 10 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%).”
Houser is not a pitcher likely to strike out many batters, as he’s a pitch-to-contact arm. However, given his affordability, any contending team should at least inquire about him.
Boston’s MLB Trade Deadline Outlook
With the rumors that Jarren Duran is potentially on the block and finally dying down, the Boston Red Sox will hold onto their star center fielder. Aside from that, the Red Sox’s priority remains pitchers. The following item on the wish list is a first baseman if they can find a team willing to give theirs up. Boston’s outfield is complete, and its infield is pretty much set except for first base, which has been a sore spot all season.
Expect Boston’s front office to make a big move for a depth starter, another bullpen arm, or a first baseman with pop in his bat. They have a few days to determine their plans ahead of the July 31st deadline, which is this week.
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