MLB Rumors: Red Sox ‘Continue To Pursue’ These Star Pitchers

The Boston Red Sox really want to find that No. 2.

The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey issued an update regarding their pursuit on Thursday, sharing some pretty telling information about where the club was at with just hours remaining before the trade deadline — which should excite fans.

The Red Sox have “continued to pursue” Arizona Diamondbacks starters Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen, as well as Pittsburgh Pirates Mitch Keller, according to McCaffrey.

“Internally, the Red Sox feel bolstering the starting group behind ace Garrett Crochet and alongside Lucas Giolito and Brayan Bello could give them a chance at competing for the division in an unsettled American League East playoff picture,” McCaffrey wrote.

It’s not bargain shopping, that is for sure!

Kelly (3.22 ERA) and Gallen (5.60 ERA) are both free agents this winter, so there’s a chance they can be acquired for relatively relaxed package of prospects. Keller (3.69 ERA), on the other hand, has three more years of control and would probably cost a pair of top prospects within the system. It’ll all boil down to what feels comfortable for Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow.

Kelly, Gallen and Keller have all previously been tied to Boston.

Arizona’s pair of right-handers are both candidates to receive a qualifying offer, so their current club will want more than a potential compensation pick would be worth.

Major League Baseball won’t officially put the kibosh on trades until 6 p.m. ET, so there is time to get a deal done.