The Red Sox need rotation reinforcements. Here are five high-impact starters, from stable rentals to controllable arms, who could redefine Boston’s AL Wild Card push.
General manager Craig Breslow has emphasized “impact starting pitching” as Boston’s top trade deadline focus. With key young arms laboring under innings limits and Garrett Crochet leading the staff, these five arms represent the kind of game-changers the Sox need.
5 Starting Pitchers That Could Help Boston Take Control of AL Wild Card Race
1. Joe Ryan – RHP, Minnesota Twins
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Stats: All-Star with a 2.72 ERA, 121 Ks over 109 IP; sub-1.00 WHIP.
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Why Boston Loves Him: Reliable mid-rotation anchor, affordable, team-controlled through 2027.
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Trade Cost: Likely a top-tier pitching prospect plus bullpen piece—worth it for his rare blend of performance and control.
I want Joe Ryan on the Red Sox so damn bad. https://t.co/9AJRmXmOU4
— Eric Cross (@EricCrossMLB) July 12, 2025
2. Mitch Keller – RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates
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Stats: 3.48 ERA across 20 starts; poised to hit 200 IP.
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Why Boston Could Pounce: Durability and consistency with club control through 2028 (via extension).
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Trade Cost: Consumer-level prospects and veteran depth—painless, and Boston wouldn’t touch Bruce Boiler-class talent.
Mitch Keller, Wicked 82mph Sweeper. 🤢 pic.twitter.com/IeRGTJSEPj
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 2, 2025
3. Dylan Cease – RHP, San Diego Padres
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Resume: Former Cy Young finalist with a front-end track record.
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Why It Fits: High upside if regain form; contract expires after 2025, making him a rental worth swinging for.
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Trade Cost: Likely mid-level talent, but Boston could outbid low-volume buyers.
Dylan Cease’s day appears over. 7 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 3 BB, 8 K on 94 pitches pic.twitter.com/HXJTXX2grE
— Talking Friars (@TalkingFriars) July 25, 2024
4. Freddy Peralta – RHP, Milwaukee Brewers
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Market Insight: Seen as one of the top available starters; club-control through 2026 makes him premium.
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Why He Works: High-velocity strikeout artist who forces upside and innings—a perfect AL East playoff piece.
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Trade Cost: Would cost premium prospects or a top MLB-ready arm, but adds star power Boston currently lacks.
Freddy Peralta took a no-hitter into the sixth and allowed just one run (6.2 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 SO, 103 pitches).
He finishes the first half with a 2.66 ERA in 20 starts. pic.twitter.com/Dc2m0KS1MC
— Sophia Minnaert (@SophiaMinnaert) July 13, 2025
5. Sonny Gray – RHP, St. Louis Cardinals
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Premium Quality: Three-time All-Star with a recent complete-game shutout and strong ground-ball tendencies.
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Why It’s Smart: Veteran with ace-level ceiling—adds experience, playoff mettle, and rotation stability.
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Trade Cost: Likely one of the steeper deals (Cardinals won’t sell cheap), but might be the final puzzle piece.
Sonny Gray, Nasty 86mph Sweeper. 🌞 pic.twitter.com/d4brfhwUfH
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 2, 2025
Breslow isn’t shopping filler—he’s in the market for difference-makers. Each of these five brings a unique edge:
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Ryan and Keller offer cost control and substance.
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Cease and Peralta supply upside ceiling and dynamic stuff.
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Gray injects playoff experience and innings stability.
Whether Boston aims for long-term security or this season’s push, these pitchers define its deadline roadmap.
Pitcher Recap Table
| Pitcher | Team | Role | Control Through | Fits Boston Because |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joe Ryan | Twins | Top-of-rotation | 2027 | Elite ERA, reliable, controllable |
| Mitch Keller | Pirates | Durable mid-rotation | 2028 | Reliable innings, affordable |
| Dylan Cease | Padres | High-ceiling rental | 2025 | Former Cy Young form, upside |
| Freddy Peralta | Brewers | High-strikeout ace | 2026 | Star-caliber, club control |
| Sonny Gray | Cardinals | Veteran mid-rotation | 2027+ | Poise, experience, consistency |
