Richard Fitts’ recent performance against the Minnesota Twins highlighted the Boston Red Sox’s pressing need for starting pitching. However, an injury to top prospect Marcelo Mayer has complicated the team’s ability to trade from its major league roster, making it more difficult to acquire an elite arm. Consequently, the Red Sox may need to explore more cost-effective options to find reliable innings and bolster their rotation for a playoff push.
### Adrian Houser, RHP, Chicago White Sox (0.5 Years of Control)
Adrian Houser is in the midst of a career-best season, posting a 2.10 ERA over his first 11 starts. While not a high-strikeout pitcher, he maintains a solid 8% walk rate. His effectiveness stems largely from a sinker that has neutralized right-handed hitters, holding them to a .208 batting average. The pitch’s horizontal movement and seam-shifted wake have produced a 58% groundball rate and a minimal 1.5% barrel rate. Houser complements his sinker with a curveball that effectively generates strikes, along with a four-seam fastball and changeup.
Left-handed hitters have found more success, batting .288 against him, as he has struggled to command his secondary pitches to that side of the plate. Though not a top-of-the-rotation starter for a playoff series, Houser represents a dependable option who could provide valuable innings down the stretch.
### JP Sears, LHP, Oakland Athletics (3.5 Years of Control)
An acquisition of JP Sears would be a longer-term investment, given his 3.5 years of remaining team control. A left-hander with a low release point and a flat fastball, Sears fits the profile of pitchers Boston’s front office has previously targeted. The team’s development program could potentially add velocity to his fastball, unlocking another level of performance.
Sears’ primary challenge is his inability to consistently put away hitters, especially right-handers. His fastball’s shape is promising, but he has not located it effectively in the upper part of the strike zone. His slider shows potential as a swing-and-miss pitch against righties but can sometimes blend with his sweeper. While perhaps not an immediate difference-maker, Sears is an intriguing arm with upside that aligns with Boston’s organizational philosophy.
### Mike Soroka, RHP, Washington Nationals (0.5 Years of Control)
Mike Soroka is another pitcher defined by significant platoon splits. He has been excellent against right-handed hitters but has struggled mightily against lefties, largely due to an over-reliance on an ineffective four-seam fastball. The Red Sox would almost certainly adjust his pitch usage.
Soroka is a prime candidate to develop a cutter. While not a pitch he has thrown previously, adding it to his arsenal as a reliable strike-throwing weapon against left-handers could mitigate his most significant weakness. If Boston does not pursue a trade now, Soroka could be a viable reclamation project in the offseason.
### Jose Soriano, RHP, Los Angeles Angels (3.5 Years of Control)
Jose Soriano possesses an electrifying arm, centered around a sinker he throws over 50% of the time. Averaging 97 mph with powerful horizontal movement, the pitch is difficult for hitters to handle, resulting in an exceptional 79% groundball rate. His arsenal also includes a curveball, four-seam fastball, slider, and splitter, though his command of these secondary offerings can be inconsistent, leading to walks.
A key advantage for Soriano is his platoon neutrality, as his high-velocity sinker is effective against batters from both sides of the plate. While his extreme groundball tendencies might be a questionable fit with Boston’s infield defense, his raw talent and 3.5 years of team control make him a compelling, high-upside target.
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