MLB Rumors: Red Sox ‘Asking Around’ About AL Pitcher Before Trade Deadline

The Boston Red Sox are entering the second half with considerable momentum. A 10-game winning streak could embolden them to buy before the July 31 trade deadline.

Like most contenders, pitching stands out as a vital area of interest. Boston continues to get linked to several starters across MLB, and a name not often cited on the hot stove surfaced Friday morning.

WEEI’s Rob Bradford broke down Boston’s most “realistic” trade targets, operating under the notion that Minnesota Twins ace Joe Ryan remains a long shot. Bradford said the Red Sox are “asking around” about Los Angeles Angels right-hander Jose Soriano.

Soriano already matched last season’s 113 innings in the first half. The 26-year-old has registered a 3.90 ERA in 20 starts, but an unseemly 11.3 percent walk rate has contributed to a 1.45 WHIP.

He’s nevertheless flaunted immense upside, allowing one or no runs in four of his last nine starts. That includes two double-digit strikeout gems in June against the Athletics and Houston Astros.

However, Soriano demonstrated volatility when the Red Sox crushed him for seven runs on June 4. Soriano also followed a dominant performance against Houston by surrendering eight runs to the Washington Nationals on June 27.

Despite those foibles, Soriano holds a 3.68 ERA over his three-year career. He remains arbitration-eligible for three more seasons, so the Angels wouldn’t part with him lightly.

Even if not for that contract, the Angels might have no interest in selling this month. They begin the second half four games behind the Seattle Mariners for the American League’s last wild-card spot.

Soriano will open the second half by starting Friday against the Philadelphia Phillies. The Red Sox face the Phillies next week after a three-game road series against the Chicago Cubs.