Boston has been quiet since making a big splash in June. They traded away Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants, which is still the most significant move as the trade deadline approaches. Teams have hesitated this season but expect to ramp up deals this week before the July 31 deadline.
Given the starting rotation behind Garrett Crochet, the Red Sox’s hesitation is puzzling. He is dominating opposition this season, but the pitchers behind him are navigating their way through the season. A few injuries have also left the team scrambling for more arms. Their most significant need is a starting pitcher as they fight for the last Wild Card spot in the AL.
Boston Needs Answers in Their Rotation Behind Garrett Crochet
Boston’s pitching staff is having a solid season despite some injuries. They have the 10th best ERA in the league at 3.77. They rank a little lower at 19th in WHIP, allowing 1.29 walks and hits per inning pitched.
The bullpen is doing a lot of the heavy lifting. They rank fifth in the league with a 3.38 ERA and eighth in WHIP at 1.25. It is clear that the starting rotation is the weak point of the rotation, but injuries play a significant role.
Babe wake up new Kutter Crawford highlights are out pic.twitter.com/993Phj6cIA
— Justin (@JustinMLB) April 1, 2022
Kutter Crawford was a staple in the rotation for the past two seasons, but has not pitched this season. He actively pitched through most of 2024 despite patellar tendon discomfort and planned to rehabilitate this winter. He suffered a wrist injury in an off-field accident that required season-ending injury.
They signed Patrick Sandoval to a two-year deal in the offseason, but he is recovering from Tommy John surgery and is not expected to pitch until later this season. He is still on the injured list while rehabilitating.
More recently, they placed Hunter Dobbins and Tanner Houck on the IL. Dobbins suffered a torn ACL on July 11, which will sideline him for the remainder of the season. He started 11 games for the Red Sox this season, going 4-1.
The team placed Houck on the IL due to a flexor pronator strain in his throwing arm. The team has shut him down indefinitely to focus on his recovery.
The best fit for the Red Sox at the deadline is starting pitcher Joe Ryan of the Minnesota Twins. Ryan is having an exceptional season with the Twins in his fifth season. He has a 2.63 ERA and 0.903 WHIP with a record of 10-4. The All-Star also has a 4.5 WAR.
.@JeffPassan on the Red Sox:
“At this moment, the Red Sox are not inclined to engage in any large-scale deadline moves.”
“Boston is an organization that deeply values operating efficiently, and a market like this is the epitome of inefficient.”
“Maybe they pony up to get (Joe)… pic.twitter.com/SMA5uQCAW3
— Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) July 23, 2025
The Red Sox have a crowded outfield and could move Jarren Duran at the deadline. He is having a down year, batting .257 with nine home runs. He hit .285 with 21 home runs last season, earning his first All-Star selection.
Boston has a slew of outfielders that they are comfortable with sending out every day. Ceddanne Rafaela is their most consistent hitter behind Alex Bregman. He is batting .271 with 14 home runs. Wilyer Abreu is also having a solid season, batting .250 with 20 home runs.
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Roman Anthony was called up this season and is performing well. In 36 games, he is batting .256 and has a 1.2 WAR.
ROMAN ANTHONY’S 1ST FENWAY HR GOES 418FT!! pic.twitter.com/NurXv8AR7u
— Red Sox (@RedSox) July 8, 2025
Manager Alex Cora likes the outfield of Abreu in right, Rafaela in center, and Anthony in left, but Duran is a must-start player.
That means one of them is likely a designated hitter, but Cora has done a tremendous job of getting them regular playing time.
They have some decisions to make as they push for a playoff bid, but they may stay put instead of trading their franchise player for Joe Ryan at the deadline.