Red Sox Linked to Royals' Cy Young Finalist as Trade Deadline Rotation Target
Outside of Garrett Crochet, the Boston Red Sox are severely lacking in their starting rotation. While Bryan Bello and Lucas Giolito have performed admirably to help push Boston into a Wild Card spot, the team needs to stabilize its rotation at the trade deadline.
While adding an ace like Sandy Alcantara or reacquiring Chris Sale are tantalizing moves to think about, the odds Boston makes another blockbuster deal are slim. It is much more likely that chief baseball officer Craig Breslow targets a proven innings eater with playoff experience to anchor Boston’s staff.
Among potential trade targets is Kansas City Royals veteran Seth Lugo, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com.
Lugo, 35, is in the midst of another stellar season. A year removed from leading the league with 33 starts and tossing over 200 innings, Lugo has a 2.67 ERA and a current career-high 153 ERA+ across 101 innings. Placing him in Boston’s rotation would not only provide an excellent number two option behind Garrett Crochet but also set them up for a second-half playoff push.
One key reason Cotillo believes Lugo is a strong candidate to end up in Boston is his contract status. Lugo is currently in the middle of a three-year, $45 million deal, but with a player option for 2026, he is closer to rental status than other available pitchers. Even if Lugo were to pick up his option, Boston would only be on the hook for $15 million, making him a bargain if he continues to pitch near his current rate.
Lugo may not be the high-profile acquisition fans are clamoring for, but since becoming a full-time starter in 2023, he has been one of the best pitchers in the league and could be a top deadline addition.
Related articles
Can the 49ers RBs produce enough if Christian McCaffrey has injury problems again?
49ers’ Brock Purdy Receives Brutal Comparison Amid New Contract
Before Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3 Returns, Watch Apple TV+'s Great New 97% RT Sci-Fi Show
The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 2's Shocking Villain Death & Maggie-Negan Alliance Explained By Scott GimpleThe Latest
Steelers just fueled a Ravens nightmare that refuses to go away
While most of the league is unconcerned with the Pittsburgh Steelers' decision to sign T.J. Watt to a lucrative, record-breaking contract extension, the Baltimore Ravens are taking notice. Most recently, the Ravens have the Steelers' number. Though Pittsburgh and Baltimore split ...
Lions’ overlooked weak spot could force Brad Holmes to make a move
The Detroit Lions haven't shown any signs of disappointment with their roster ahead of training camp, but eventually, decisions will be made as practices play out and the preseason begins. If there's one spot most analysts believe needs an upgrade, it's ...
All signs point to trouble for this 49ers veteran heading into training camp
A year ago, it appeared as if perennial practice squad linebacker Curtis Robinson was finally going to break through the proverbial glass ceiling and find his way full time on the San Francisco 49ers' 53-man roster. Except a torn ACL suffered just three ...
Spencer Turnbull signing with Cubs after Blue Jays release
The Chicago Cubs have started moving with the MLB Trade Deadline looming on the horizon. The Cubs have signed right-hander Spencer Turnbull after his release by the Blue Jays, per MLB Network’s Jon Heyman. The veteran reportedly agreed to a minor-league deal and will begin ...
Red Sox Linked to Royals' Cy Young Finalist as Trade Deadline Rotation Target
Outside of Garrett Crochet, the Boston Red Sox are severely lacking in their starting rotation. While Bryan Bello and Lucas Giolito have performed admirably to help push Boston into a Wild Card spot, the team needs to stabilize its rotation at the trade deadline. While adding ...
