Ranking teams that should convince Madison Bumgarner to waive his no-trade clause

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 02: San Francisco Giants Starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner (40) looks on during a MLB game between the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 2, 2019 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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BALTIMORE, MD – MAY 08: Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale (41) walks in from the dugout prior to the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles on May 8, 2019, at Orioles Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, MD. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. Boston Red Sox

At the moment, no Red Sox starter has an ERA of less than 3.75. That 3.75-man, David Price, also happens to be on the Injured List at the moment. It’s clear that Boston has a profound need to add an ace to their questionable rotation.

Bumgarner is almost certainly going to be the top arm available. That means the Red Sox are going to be involved with the Giants until his future is finally resolved. Boston may not ultimately win out, but the odds do seem to be in their favor.

In particular, the questions surrounding the health and ability of Chris Sale to pitch at a high level heighten the organization’s need to add a high-level starter. Adding Bumgarner won’t fix Alex Cora’s rotation all by itself, but it would serve as a significant step in the right direction for the Red Sox.

Next. 5 trade targets for the Red Sox. dark

Boston’s need combined with their ability to meet the Giants’ asking price makes them the slight favorites in this season’s race to deal for Bumgarner. They’re not an overwhelming favorite to get a deal done, but they are the most likely suitor from his no-trade clause list to successfully make a deal that will satisfy both the Giants and their talented southpaw.

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