Potential Red Sox Trade Target Taken Off Block In Surprising Move

The MLB trade deadline is less than a week away, and options are beginning to dwindle.

The Kansas City Royals currently sit 4 1/2 games back of the final American League Wild Card spot. Teams in need of pitching have been monitoring the Royals as a potential trade partner. The Boston Red Sox are among those teams.

Royals starting pitcher Kris Bubic hit the injured list with a rotator cuff strain. The injury significantly hurt the Royals’ playoff chances, but also took a potential name off the market. On Sunday, Kansas City took another name off the market when they reportedly signed Seth Lugo to a contract extension, according to Jeff Passan.

Lugo has a player option after the season that he was unlikely to pick up, leading teams such as the Red Sox to be interested in the righty as a rental. Now, Lugo will be with the Royals for multiple years and won’t be available this season.

Boston will have to turn elsewhere in their search for a starting pitcher. It was reported that they’ve been monitoring Miami Marlins starting pitcher Edward Cabrera. Sandy Alcantrara is another name that’s generated interest.

San Diego Padres ace Dylan Cease is another name to monitor, though the Padres are still in the thick of the playoff race and might be hesitant to trade from their active roster.

When it comes to trade rumors, the names you don’t hear about are often the ones moved. The Red Sox could deal for an under-the-radar option, while relying on Garrett Crochet, Lucas Giolito and Brayan Bello to carry the rotation.