If the Red Sox want to contend, this is the move they have to make

Despite their best efforts to address their lack of starting pitching from 2024, pitching depth is once again proving to be a problem for the Boston Red Sox.

Beyond Garrett Crochet, this team lacks a truly elite starter. The offense has the ability to power the Red Sox to the postseason, but their pitching needs to keep up. Barring solutions within, the Red Sox, therefore, need to target starting pitching in the trade market.

Among pitchers that could be available at or before the deadline, the Marlins' Sandy Alcántara is clearly the top prize. Alcántara is not only one of the most talented pitchers in MLB, but he's also on an extremely club-friendly contract. The 2022 NL Cy Young winner is owed just $17.3 million in 2025 and 2026 and has a $21 million team option for 2027.

Not only that, but he could be available well before the deadline, as the Marlins have shown a willingness to make trades early in the season. However, because of how good he is and how favorable his contract is, competition in his market will be fierce. Still, if the Red Sox are willing to part ways with valuable position players, they could make it happen.

Red Sox need to target starting pitching in the trade market

The Cardinals, given their sluggish start to the season and low expectations for this season, might also have several pitchers available, albeit at steep prices. Sonny Gray is owed $25 million this year and next and has a club option for 2027. That's a big contract to take on for a guy who's already 35, but Gray's track record is impressive. Erick Fedde is another candidate who's scheduled to hit free agency at the end of the year, but his $7.5 million salary is too much of a bargain for the Cardinals to simply give him away.

The most realistic option might be the Twins' Pablo López. Given the Twins' current ownership uncertainty and bleak outlook for 2025 and beyond, they should be open to trading a guy like López, who can be a difference maker for a lot of teams in the league, including the Red Sox.

The 29-year-old righty is one of the more accurate pitchers in baseball, having walked just over 6.1% of batters he's faced since 2021, and can also rack up strikeouts. He's owed $21.75 million per year through 2027. López makes a lot of sense, especially since the Red Sox have more to offer in return than almost any other franchise.