Red Sox Targeting Trio of Starting Pitchers as Trade Deadline Looms: Report originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Boston Red Sox are continuing their search for starting pitching as the MLB trade deadline looms. While it seems any hope of acquiring San Diego Padres’ ace Dylan Cease has plummeted following the team’s blockbuster deal for A’s closer Mason Miller, Boston still has the opportunity to add a top-tier arm to their rotation.
According to Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic, the Red Sox are pursuing Arizona Diamondbacks starters Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen, as well as Pittsburgh Pirates’ Mitch Keller.
Although Boston already struck a deal for left-hander Steven Matz late Wednesday night, he is set to join the bullpen, rather than the backend of the rotation. The decision led one source to suggest to McCaffrey that the Red Sox are “clearly not done” and have the prospect depth to make any deal.
Whether the Red Sox are willing to meet the asking price for Mitch Keller remains to be seen. Pittsburgh, justifiably, wants a lot in return for its former All-Star starter who signed through 2028. Through 22 starts, the right-hander has a 3.69 ERA and 100 strikeouts across 127 innings. Yet, Boston may be reluctant to mortgage their future for a pitcher with a career 5.08 ERA after the All-Star break.
Keller’s second-half struggles could see Boston pivot to a cheaper, albeit rental, option like Kelly or Gallen. Kelly has been the more successful pitcher this season, with a 3.22 ERA and a 1.057 WHIP in 128.2 innings. Gallen is in the midst of his worst season since 2021. The downtrend in performance could make the former Cy Young finalist easier to acquire, but could also end in disaster for Boston.
The Red Sox have under six hours to improve their roster before the 6 pm ET deadline. Can chief baseball officer Craig Breslow make a deal, or will the trade deadline pass, leaving Boston’s current rotation to fend for themselves?
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 31, 2025, where it first appeared.