Red Sox Rumors: Reunion With World Series Champion Not ‘In Play’
The Boston Red Sox could scour the trade market for pitching help before MLB’s trade deadline, but one prominent ace is reportedly off the table.
If the Texas Rangers decide to sell, Nathan Eovaldi would represent a sensible target capable of making a significant impact. After all, the two-time All-Star won a World Series during his five seasons in Boston.
However, Red Sox fans shouldn’t get their hopes up for a reunion. ESPN’s Buster Olney said that Eovaldi and fellow Rangers ace Jacob deGrom are “not considered to be in play” on the trade market.
The Rangers entered the All-Star break 48-49, so Olney considered their deadline intentions unclear. Yet the insider believes that, even if they sell, any moves would be “measured.” That may include shopping outfielder Adolis Garcia.
Eovaldi has quietly put together a dominant 2025, posting a 1.58 ERA in 16 starts. The 35-year-old ranks second to Tarik Skubal in WHIP (0.85), K/BB rate (6.71) and FIP (2.36) among all pitchers with at least 90 innings pitched.
Despite missing a month with right triceps soreness, Eovaldi has a higher WAR (3.0) than deGrom and rumored Red Sox trade target Joe Ryan. He pitched so well that the Rangers awarded him a $100,000 All-Star bonus despite getting left off the team.
Eovaldi has a permanent place in Red Sox lore after recording a 1.21 ERA during the 2018 postseason for the World Series champions. He won another ring when going 5-0 for Texas during the 2023 playoffs, pitching six scoreless innings in the Fall Classic’s decisive Game 5 triumph over the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Rangers retained Eovaldi on a three-year, $75 million contract last offseason. The way he’s pitching, they have no urgency to escape that deal, which includes a full no-trade clause.
Eovaldi is scheduled to face Skubal and the Detroit Tigers on “Sunday Night Baseball.”