The Boston Red Sox have cooled off a little bit since closing the first half with a 10-game winning streak, but still are in sole possession of the third American League Wild Card spot.
Boston is also still within striking distance in the AL East. Just a few key moves at the trade deadline could put them in the conversation for World Series contention.
The Red Sox have missed the postseason three straight years, but they could enhance their chances by addressing some needs. One such need is a starting pitcher.
David Schoenfield of ESPN predicted where some of the top trade candidates will ultimately end up. He predicts that Boston will acquire Mitch Keller from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
"The Red Sox have a surplus of outfielders already in the majors and more hitting prospects in the minors, so they line up as a potential match with Pittsburgh. This could be an old-fashioned challenge trade with the Red Sox offering Jarren Duran, who matches Keller in being under team control through 2028," Schoenfield wrote.
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Keller is not an ace by any means, but he is putting together a strong season with Pittsburgh. He's also not a free agent until 2029.
The right-hander is 4-10, but owns a 3.53 ERA and 2.0 WAR in 21 starts while punching out 97 batters over 125 innings pitched. The Pirates are well out of contention and have already declared themselves sellers.
The Red Sox need a front to mid-rotation starter to go along with Garrett Crochet, and Keller could be just what they need to be a threat in a postseason series. This could also help them get back into the AL East race and potentially win their first division crown since 2018.
It will be interesting to see how Boston attacks the trade deadline this summer. The deadline is now just a week away.
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