Red Sox Could Pursue These Pitchers At MLB Trade Deadline

The Rafael Devers trade reset the direction of the 2025 Boston Red Sox, and opened the door for big moves at the deadline.

The team’s decision to part ways with its franchise slugger shocked the league, but it also delivered fresh financial flexibility ahead of July 31. With the Devers deal off the books and a deep farm system in place, the Red Sox are now positioned to act aggressively.

The Red Sox’ 2025 payroll sits “relatively close” to the $241 million competitive balance tax threshold, as reported by MassLive’s Christopher Smith. The $32 million owed on Jordan Hicks’ deal is a factor, though only $6.2 million counts toward this year’s CBT limit. Meanwhile, left-hander Kyle Harrison remains a pre-arbitration value at $760,000.

That wiggle room matters. Several potentially impactful arms could become available, per a group report from The Athletic’s Tim Britton, Aaron Gleeman and Eno Sarris. While the market lacks a clear-cut ace, a handful of names stand out as possible upgrades to the Red Sox’s rotation.

Freddy Peralta’s future with the Milwaukee Brewers may depend on how long his club remains in the playoff hunt. The righty is under team control through a club option at $8 million next season and has notched a 6–4 record with a 2.60 ERA across 15 starts. He’s more crafty than overpowering but has impressed since shifting to the rotation in 2021.

The Miami Marlins’ Sandy Alcantara may offer the most upside but is the biggest question mark as well. With a 3–8 record for the lowly Marlins to go along with a 6.88 ERA, he’s still shaking off the dust from Tommy John surgery. But Alcantara has also shown improved command since shelving his slider. He’s signed through 2026, with a 2027 option.

Zach Eflin (6–3, 4.81 ERA) is a steady, affordable option if the Baltimore Orioles decide to sell. And Nick Martinez (4–7, 3.92 ERA) of the Cincinnati Reds would give versatility in both the rotation and bullpen, mixing six pitches with strike-throwing ability that plays in either role.

A team can never have enough pitching, and the Red Sox will have room to maneuver and options to pursue.