ESPN Identifies Several More Pitchers As Trade Fits For Red Sox

Prominent starting pitchers have emerged as late additions to the trade market.

ESPN updated its top-50 MLB trade candidates on Monday. Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan had previously mentioned the Boston Red Sox among the “best fits” for pitchers such as Sandy Alcántara, Mitch Keller and Merrill Kelly.

Monday’s new list maintains that trio as possible Red Sox targets, but ESPN included more high-end hurlers in the rankings. Boston is also listed as one of the best fits for Joe Ryan, MacKenzie Gore, Dylan Cease and Shane Bieber.

The Red Sox have been frequently linked to Ryan, who has posted a 2.87 ERA and 5.71 K/BB rate amid an All-Star campaign. Yet the hot stove is pessimistic on the Minnesota Twins moving the 29-year-old ace this week, and ESPN projected just a 10 percent chance of a deadline deal.

ESPN gave the same probability to the Washington Nationals trading Gore, who has a 3.52 ERA and 144 strikeouts in 21 starts. Passan and McDaniel said Washington is nevertheless listening to offers for the 26-year-old southpaw.

The San Diego Padres are competing for a playoff spot, but they may shop Cease to fill another roster need. While the Red Sox have reportedly asked about the strikeout artist, they rejected an alleged offer for Jarren Duran.

Bieber has not pitched in the majors since April 2, 2024, but the 2020 American League Cy Young Award winner has pitched well during his minor league rehab assignment. ESPN said the 30-year-old is drawing “plenty of interest” as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery.

Boston has until Thursday at 6 p.m. ET to make some trades.