The Boston Red Sox are actively seeking to strengthen their starting rotation, showing interest in Merrill Kelly, Zac Gallen of the Arizona Diamondbacks, and Sandy Alcantara of the Miami Marlins as potential acquisitions before the trade deadline. This pursuit follows previous connections to pitchers like Mitch Keller and Dylan Cease as the team looks to solidify its pitching depth for the remainder of the season.
Arizona Diamondbacks Moving Toward Trading Pitchers with Expiring Contracts
The Diamondbacks have begun offloading players approaching free agency, having already traded first baseman Josh Naylor to the Seattle Mariners and outfielder Randal Grichuk to the Kansas City Royals. Third baseman Eugenio Suárez is also likely to be moved. Like these players, Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly will become free agents soon, making them viable trade candidates as Arizona shifts toward rebuilding.
Evaluating Zac Gallen’s Value and Recent Performance
Zac Gallen, 29, enters the trade conversation with a mixed 2024 season. His previous career numbers were promising, with an earned run average (ERA) of 3.29 and a strikeout rate of 26.6%. This season, however, his strikeout rate has fallen to 22.1%, contributing to a rise in ERA to 5.60. Factors such as a low 64% strand rate and a higher than normal home run-to-fly ball ratio at 16.3% have negatively influenced his results. Gallen’s fielding independent pitching (FIP) of 4.75 and Skill-Interactive ERA (SIERA) of 4.14 suggest he is performing below his prior standards, but he still maintains appeal given the scarcity of clear ace pitchers on the market.
At a $13.5 million salary this year, Gallen’s cost is somewhat reasonable for a starter with his potential. His trade interest extends beyond Boston, with connections to the Toronto Blue Jays and possibly other clubs. The question remains whether teams are willing to bet on him returning to a higher level of effectiveness.
Merrill Kelly’s Consistent Performance Offers Stability
Merrill Kelly profiles more as a steady, reliable option rather than an ace. Over his career, he has maintained a 3.74 ERA, accompanied by a 22.1% strikeout rate and a 7.4% walk rate. His ground ball rate stands at 45%, which helps suppress opposing offenses. This year, Kelly’s ERA is down to 3.22, improving upon 2023’s 4.03 after injuries affected his performance. His current salary is approximately $7 million, making him a cost-effective option compared to Gallen.
Sandy Alcantara’s Post-Surgery Struggles Impact Trade Prospects
Sandy Alcantara presents a more complicated scenario. Although he won the Cy Young Award in 2022, he missed much of 2024 due to Tommy John surgery and has struggled upon his return. His ERA for the season is 6.36 over 109 innings pitched. While his ground ball rate remains above average at 45.6%, his strikeout rate has dropped sharply to 16.8%, a stark contrast to his pre-surgery range of 22-24%. These difficulties make Alcantara a riskier option for teams considering a midseason trade.
The Marlins face a dilemma as they rebuild; they would like to trade Alcantara for young prospects but may have to accept a lower return or retain him if offers do not meet expectations. Alcantara is under contract for 2025 at $17 million, with a $21 million club option for 2027, subject to a $2 million buyout. Miami could also choose to wait until the offseason or next year’s deadline to revisit trade opportunities.
Red Sox Rotation Faces Injuries and Inconsistent Performances
The Red Sox rotation has been hampered by injuries to Tanner Houck, Kutter Crawford, Patrick Sandoval, and Hunter Dobbins, leaving Garrett Crochet as the healthiest and most effective starter. Beyond Crochet, the rotation’s performance has been uneven: Walker Buehler posts a high 5.72 ERA, Lucas Giolito holds a 3.80 ERA with underlying metrics around 4.19 FIP and 4.16 SIERA, while Brayan Bello has a 3.32 ERA but his advanced stats near 4.3 FIP and SIERA. These inconsistencies highlight the team’s need to improve its starting pitching depth.
Financial Considerations for the Red Sox in Pursuing Pitching Upgrades
Boston’s payroll is currently at the competitive balance tax threshold, according to Roster Resource data. However, front office officials have indicated a willingness to exceed the tax limit this season to enhance the team’s roster for a playoff push. This financial flexibility was demonstrated even before the recent trade of Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants, suggesting the Red Sox could take on additional salary to acquire pitching talent like Merrill Kelly, Zac Gallen, or Sandy Alcantara.
Potential Impact of Acquiring Experienced Starters for Boston’s Playoff Aspirations
Securing one or more of these pitchers could significantly bolster the Red Sox’s rotation, providing stability and experience that are currently lacking. Kelly offers a reliable and affordable veteran presence, while Gallen represents a higher-risk, potentially higher-reward option if he regains form. Alcantara, despite recent challenges, could provide top-tier performance if he recovers from surgery fully. The moves would address Boston’s immediate pitching needs and improve their chances during the crucial stretch of the season.