As the MLB trade deadline nears, several postseason contenders are seeking to reinforce their starting pitching, and one insider projects a former Houston Astro could be on the move to an American League rival.
The Boston Red Sox, now just three games out of first place in the AL East after a turbulent first half of the season, are expected to be active buyers. Their primary area of need is the starting rotation, which could use support behind ace Garrett Crochet. The offseason signing of Walker Buehler has yet to pay dividends, with the former Dodgers star struggling to a 6.12 ERA.
Speaking on FOX Sports, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal suggested that Boston’s recent 10-game winning streak and the improved performance of other starters may have altered their trade strategy. He identified veteran pitcher Charlie Morton as a logical target for the Red Sox.
Rosenthal noted that while he previously believed Boston needed a clear No. 2 starter, the recent success of Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito means the team may not have to aim as high. This opens the door for a player like Morton, who has a history with Red Sox manager Alex Cora from their time together with the Houston Astros in 2017.
Although Morton had a difficult start to the year, he has since recovered, posting a 3.05 ERA over his last 59 innings. According to Rosenthal, this combination of recent performance and familiarity makes him an intriguing fit to solidify Boston’s rotation for a second-half push.
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