National Baseball Writer Links Red Sox To Seth Lugo, Mitch Keller
CBS national baseball writer Julian McWilliams made a clear case for where the Boston Red Sox need to focus as the trade deadline nears: the starting rotation.
“I think they’ve got to go out and get starting pitching,” McWilliams said during his appearance on NESN’s “310 To Left” podcast with Jahmai Webster. “The problem is, I think everybody wants to get starting pitching and it’s going to come at a cost. How far do the Red Sox want to dig in to get that starting pitcher?”
With Boston hovering in postseason contention, McWilliams pointed to Kansas City Royals starter Seth Lugo and Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Mitch Keller as potential fits — each offering a different mix of experience, upside, and contractual commitment.
Lugo, 35, is in his second season with the Royals after signing a three-year, $45 million deal in December of 2023. He’s backed up that payday with a 6–5 record and a 2.67 ERA in 2025. Last year, Lugo finished second in American League Cy Young voting and owns limited but valuable postseason experience.
His age and $15 million salary for 2026 may raise questions for any team seeking short-term help. Kansas City also remains just 4½ games out of a wild-card spot, which could keep Lugo off the market.
Keller, 29, presents a more long-term option. He signed a five-year, $77 million extension with the Pirates in February and is under control through 2028. Despite a 3–10 record this season, he holds a 3.48 ERA and averages seven strikeouts per nine innings. Keller has no postseason experience but carries frontline starter potential with three full years of team control. His contract is set to escalate in annual salary each of the next three seasons, peaking at $20.4 million for 2028.
Other names connected to Boston in trade deadline chatter include Arizona’s Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, along with Baltimore veteran Charlie Morton.
Despite the likely high price tag for veteran arms, McWilliams believes Boston’s best chance of competing down the stretch begins with a bold move on the mound. With a variety of names circulating, it will be interesting to see which path the Red Sox choose.