Boston Red Sox trade deadline predictions for the 2017 season
By Tim Boyle
They add a starting pitcher and he’s a bust
Talks of the Red Sox bolstering the rotation will come to fruition. They have not had much success with their costly starting staff this year which is why they will settle on someone signed to a cheap-ish contract having a very good season. Think in terms of them finding this year’s Drew Pomeranz.
Like Pomeranz, the deal will come back and hurt the Red Sox. Although he has pitched well this year, Pomeranz greatly regressed in the latter part of 2016 following his move to Boston. The big city Boston lights will affect their new starter negatively and the Red Sox will be minus at least one notable prospect. Plus, as is the case with many pitchers, moving into the hitter-happy American League East will also come with its downside.
A few names that fit this description are Jason Vargas, Ervin Santana, Ivan Nova, and Dan Straily. All have played well this year but are not overly priced or front-line starters. As much as they would like to get Sonny Gray, Jose Quintana, or another marketable pitcher of this caliber, they won’t.
Limiting the Red Sox more than money is their shallower prospect pool. Third baseman Rafael Devers is only getting traded if Boston is blown away. They aren’t going to find a long-term third base solution this summer and need to keep him in-house.