The Boston Red Sox might not need to pursue a high-end starter before this year’s trade deadline after all.
MLB insider Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic revised his view on Boston’s deadline needs on an episode of his podcast “Fair Territory” on Monday, citing recent performances across the rotation.
“A couple of weeks ago I would have said they needed a number two, right behind Crochet,” Rosenthal said. “Now, I don’t know that’s the case.”
While Garrett Crochet remains the staff ace, Rosenthal pointed to Lucas Giolito’s resurgence and Brayan Bello’s step forward as reasons for the shift.
“Right now, I don’t know that they need the ‘Number Two’ that’s going to be so hard to get anyway,” he said.
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Instead, Boston could focus on adding “a starting pitcher that’s going to help them,” while also potentially addressing first base.
That subtle recalibration comes as the Red Sox are riding a wave of momentum. Sunday’s 4-1 win over Tampa Bay marked Boston’s 10th straight victory — its longest winning streak since 2018. Bello delivered again, tossing 6 1/3 innings and continuing a hot stretch that included his first complete game.
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With the team surging and the rotation stabilizing, Boston enters the MLB All-Star break in the thick of the playoff picture. A wildcard spot is now in their grasp — and Rosenthal believes the ceiling may be even higher.
“They are a team that, frankly, might be in the World Series,” he said.
Boston had been viewed as a potential seller just weeks ago, but the club’s surge has reversed that speculation.
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Whether they fully buy, sell selectively or split the difference, Boston’s climb back into contention has changed the tone of the deadline conversation — and, at least for Rosenthal, recalibrated the team’s need for a top of the rotation starter.
Featured image via David Butler II-Imagn Images
