The Boston Red Sox haven't skipped a beat since trading away Rafael Devers. In fact, they went on a 10-game winning streak to close out the first half of the season.
At 53-45, they enter the second half in the second American League Wild Card spot and just three games back in the AL East. But there are holes that will need to be filled in the coming weeks.
The trade deadline is less than two weeks away, and Boston needs help in their starting rotation. A frontline starter to go with Garrett Crochet would certainly help.
Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report predicts that Boston will be the best fit for Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Zac Gallen.
"With Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito both pitching behind ace Garrett Crochet during the Red Sox's recent run of success, they might be the perfect team to roll the dice on Gallen returning to his frontline form in the second half," Reuter predicted.
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Gallen has struggled this season with Arizona. He is 7-10 with a 5.40 ERA in 20 starts. He has pitched 115 innings and struck out 110 batters.
However, the former All-Star could benefit from a change of scenery. The Diamondbacks are slowly trending towards selling at the trade deadline, while Boston is trending towards buying.
Boston could buy low on Gallen while taking a chance on the possibility of him bouncing back to his old form in the second half of the season, though rental starters can often come at a high cost.
Still, it will be interesting to see where the Red Sox land in their search for pitching. Gallen could be just what they need to become true World Series contenders.
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