The Boston Red Sox are intensifying their search for starting pitching as the trade deadline nears, focusing on strengthening their rotation to secure a postseason spot. While Walker Buehler has recently shown promise, uncertainty remains over the final two rotation positions, leading Boston to explore the acquisition of a dependable number-two starter. The Kris Bubic Red Sox trade target has emerged as a key consideration in this effort to enhance the pitching staff.
Evaluating Potential Pitching Additions
Among possible trade candidates, the Red Sox have eyed Minnesota Twins’ Joe Ryan as a high-profile solution. However, Ryan’s availability seems unlikely, which has shifted Boston’s attention toward Kris Bubic, a left-handed pitcher with the Kansas City Royals. Steve Perrault of Underdog Fantasy identified the Red Sox as one of the most fitting destinations for Bubic, placing him second only to Ryan on the team’s priority list. Despite the optimism, acquiring Bubic remains a complex challenge given the competitive market for starting pitchers.
Price and Conditions for Acquiring Bubic
Bubic’s rising value reflects his breakout performance this season. At 27 years old, he has compiled an 8-6 record paired with a 2.38 ERA and 115 strikeouts over 19 starts, marking a strong rebound following a period of recovery from Tommy John surgery. Financially, Bubic represents a reasonable short-term investment, costing Boston just over a million dollars for the remainder of the season. Yet, convincing the Royals to trade him is difficult since they still hold team control for another season and a half.
ESPN analysts Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel estimate Bubic’s trade probability at 15 percent, signaling a challenging but plausible opportunity. As Steve Perrault notes,
“Acquiring the young pitcher remains a formidable challenge,”
underscoring the complexity of the negotiations ahead. —Steve Perrault, Analyst
Impact on Red Sox’s Playoff Prospects
If Boston succeeds in obtaining Bubic, he is expected to join the rotation behind Garrett Crochet, providing significant depth for a deep postseason run. This would reinforce the team’s pitching staff, potentially increasing their competitiveness in the American League playoff race. The next few days will be critical as the Red Sox decide whether to commit to the steep cost necessary to secure Bubic’s services and strengthen their bid for the World Series.