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MLB Trade Rumors: Red Sox targeted ‘elite’ pitchers

By Rob Wolkenbrod

Jun 19, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher David Price (24) delivers a pitch against the Seattle Mariners during the sixth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 19, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher David Price (24) delivers a pitch against the Seattle Mariners during the sixth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the Red Sox dealing with some pitching struggles, it seems they are eyeing top pitchers.

As of June 20, the Boston Red Sox sit in second place in the AL East, just one game behind the Baltimore Orioles. Boston has been led by outstanding hitting from Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, and David Ortiz, among others. However, the Red Sox have been troubled by pitching.

It seems the Sox have been going for pitching upgrades for awhile, even after getting David Price last offseason. According to the Boston Herald, they went after some big time names like Jose Fernandez, Gerrit Cole, Matt Harvey, Chris Sale and Sonny Gray. Conversations reportedly ended when teams asked for either Betts or Bogaerts.

There’s no reason to fault the Sox for being aggressive. This has been their mindset for years, as they’ve traded and acquired many top stars. They gave Price over $200 million to be their rotation ace last offseason, and were likely in on other big names.

As for their current pitching situation, Boston could use help. Clay Buchholz’s poor performance led to a demotion. Eduardo Rodriguez has struggled. Price wasn’t performing like an ace to begin the season, but has looked strong this past month. They have been riding the arm of Steven Wright, an early season surprise, but he can’t be relied on for the rest of the season.

So could the Red Sox be aggressive once the MLB Trade Deadline approaches?

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