ESPN Analyst Predicts Big Red Sox Acquisition Before Trade Deadline

The Boston Red Sox have another week to explore the trade market before next Thursday’s deadline. If they make a significant splash, it’d likely come in the form of starting pitching.

Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has discussed Boston’s interest in acquiring rotation reinforcements to support Garrett Crochet, Lucas Giolito and Bryan Bello. They remain linked to several prominent starters on the rumor mill, and an ESPN analyst has one moving from the National League to Boston.

ESPN’s David Schoenfield predicted the Red Sox will acquire Mitch Keller from the Pittsburgh Pirates. He said a “surplus of outfielders” and minor-league hitting make Boston a sensible trade partner for Pittsburgh.

“The Keller rumors keep picking up steam,” Schoenfield wrote. “He’s signed through 2028, although this type of controllable pitcher is rarely — ever? — traded at the deadline. But the Pirates might view this as their best opportunity to add some much-needed offense.”

Keller has registered a 3.53 ERA and 1.16 WHIP this season, making him a player of significant interest. The New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays are among the contenders who reportedly inquired about the 29-year-old.

Although Keller remains under contract for three more full seasons, the Pirates may seize the opportunity to move him for a haul. If so, the Red Sox could join their American League East rivals in pursuit of a workhorse aiming to make over 30 starts for the third straight year.

Keller could help the Red Sox this summer and beyond, but he’d also cost them significant talent. Breslow may thus opt for a more modest acquisition.

Despite pairing Keller with Boston, Schoenfield conceded that it’s “more likely the Red Sox do something smaller” at the deadline. His ESPN colleague, Jeff Passan, also claimed the Red Sox “are not inclined to engage in any large-scale deadline moves.”