As the trade season approaches, the Boston Red Sox’s most pressing need is bolstering their starting rotation.
While the rotation has performed well this season, it hasn’t been at full strength. The Red Sox are currently missing Garrett Whitlock and have had to rely on Cooper Criswell, who has done a commendable job filling in. However, with playoffs in sight, the team should consider further strengthening their rotation.
One potential trade target is New York Mets pitcher Luis Severino. Despite the Mets’ recent hot streak, Severino could still be on the move, according to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden.
“Severino has been one of the most undervalued free-agent signings of the offseason when the Mets inked him to a one-year, $13 million deal,” Bowden stated. “He’s delivered, going 5-2 with a 3.29 ERA over 15 starts. Execs believe that even though the Mets are in a Wild Card race, they will consider trading Severino because the thinking goes, they’re focused more on building for the long-term than trying to win now. The balance of attempting to do both will be interesting to watch.”
Severino is a familiar face for Boston, having spent the first eight years of his career with the rival New York Yankees. Despite his past injury struggles, he’s healthy again and performing well with the Mets.
The Red Sox previously showed interest in Severino during free agency but couldn’t secure a deal. Acquiring him via trade could not only boost their rotation for the playoff push but also serve as a way to persuade Severino to stay, as he will be a free agent again at the season’s end.
For the Red Sox, Severino might just be the key to solidifying their rotation and enhancing their playoff prospects.
