The Boston Red Sox are preparing for Thursday’s 6 p.m. ET trade deadline with a clear priority on strengthening their pitching staff, according to chief baseball officer Craig Breslow. Late Wednesday night, Boston finalized a trade to acquire left-hander Steven Matz from the St. Louis Cardinals, aiming to utilize him as a multi-inning reliever out of the bullpen.
Potential Moves for Additional Starters and Relievers
Despite adding Matz, the Red Sox remain active in the trade market. Reports from MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand suggest that Boston could pursue both a starting pitcher and another reliever to reinforce their rotation and bullpen. Ian Browne of MLB.com supports the idea that acquiring another starter would be a sensible move for Boston in their postseason push.
ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez highlighted that several playoff contenders—including the Yankees, Astros, Cubs, Blue Jays, and Red Sox—may be searching for premium rental starters before the deadline.
Mitch Keller’s Status Amid Trade Talks
Among potential pitching assets, Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Mitch Keller has been the subject of speculation. However, major-league sources indicate that Keller is unlikely to be traded before Thursday’s deadline. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported,
“Barring a dramatic shift on Thursday, the Pittsburgh Pirates are likely to keep right-hander Mitch Keller, according to major-league sources briefed on their discussions,”
—Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic
Additionally, an anonymous executive from a team previously interested in Keller said,
“his team has not ‘even bothered’ continuing its pursuit of the pitcher, citing the Pirates’ reluctance to seriously engage,”
—Anonymous Executive
These developments suggest Mitch Keller trade deadline updates will see him remain with the Pirates for now.
Arizona Diamondbacks’ Pitching Assets Take Center Stage
With the deadline approaching, attention has turned to the Arizona Diamondbacks, who appear ready to make significant moves following their recent trade of All-Star slugger Eugenio Suarez to the Seattle Mariners. Sources indicate that Arizona’s front-line starters Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly are likely candidates to be traded before the deadline.
Gonzalez noted,
“And now, with the deadline hours away, the focus shifts to their two front-line starting pitchers, Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, both of whom are eligible for free agency at season’s end. Kelly is expected to be traded (Thursday), sources said. Whether Gallen gets moved, though, remains to be seen,”
—Alden Gonzalez, ESPN
Gallen, 29, has a 7-12 record this season with a 5.60 ERA in 22 starts. He was a two-time All-Star, including a year with a career-best 17 wins, and has earned three top-10 Cy Young finishes in his seven-year MLB tenure. Meanwhile, 36-year-old Kelly holds a 9-6 record with a 3.22 ERA in 22 starts this season.
Implications for the Upcoming Trade Deadline
As the trade deadline nears, the Red Sox focus remains on enhancing their pitching depth without parting with Keller, while keeping their options open to acquire both starters and relievers. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks’ willingness to trade Kelley—and possibly Gallen—could trigger additional movement among teams chasing postseason success. These transactions are likely to impact the competitive landscape significantly as contenders finalize their rosters for the playoff stretch.