MLB Rumors: Red Sox almost landed biggest fish of trade deadline

The Boston Red Sox were quiet at the MLB trade deadline, but they nearly landed the best pitcher available in Justin Verlander.

With the Red Sox nine games out of first place in the AL East, yet making a run at the AL Wild Card, they could’ve used a major addition to put them over the top. That’s where Chaim Bloom comes in.

Bloom has left Boston baseball fans wanting more during his tenure atop Red Sox operations. Thus far, his strategy has been to slowly retool and shed payroll. Acquiring a player like Justin Verlander, however, would have gone against the grain for Bloom and Fenway Sports Group.

Per Ken Rosenthal, “the Red Sox were among the teams that got shut out in the thin starting-pitching market, along with the Dodgers, Diamondbacks, Braves and Reds. But according to sources, they were one of the clubs that pursued a deal for the most accomplished starter who did get moved — three-time Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander.”

MLB Rumors: Why didn’t the Red Sox trade for Justin Verlander?

Verlander was eventually traded to the Astros in a deal that included top outfield prospect Drew Gilbert. The Mets sent over $30 million to Houston to cover much of the financial strain of Verlander’s contract. What held Boston back from making such a decision?

The hoarding of prospects is a popular practice among baseball front offices, and the Red Sox are no different. They are a cheap, affordable way to rebuild and improve a winning ball-club, should they work out. Houston was willing to part ways with their only top-100 prospect per MLB Pipeline in exchange for a pitcher who is under contract through at least age 41. Who knows if Verlander will continue to age like Nolan Ryan-lite?

That’s an inherent risk, and one Bloom didn’t want to take.