Red Sox Predicted to Trade for Pirates' All-Star to Strengthen Playoff Push

Red Sox Predicted to Trade for Pirates' All-Star to Strengthen Playoff Push originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Boston Red Sox’s starting pitching rotation could use an upgrade. Ace Garrett Crochet has pitched himself into the American League Cy Young conversation, and Lucas Giolito is showing signs of being a first-round pick again. Outside the duo, Boston has yet to find consistency out of their rotation.

The lack of production should push Boston to be active at the trade deadline. Although not many top-of-the-rotation arms are available, the Red Sox can still swing a trade to solidify their place in the AL playoff picture.

Mike Axisa of CBS Sports predicts the Red Sox will acquire Pittsburgh Pirates’ starting pitcher Mitch Keller.

"Just about every contender has checked in with the Pirates about Keller, who is a rock-solid mid-rotation starter with the upside for more," wrote Axisa. "The Red Sox have gotten much better with pitcher development over the last few years, and that doesn't just mean prospects and minor leaguers. It also means helping a veteran like, say, Aroldis Chapman have his best season in years.”

Axisa explains how Boston's deep farm system can reduce the need to trade any of its top prospects to acquire Keller.

“Keller is good as he is, and Boston is the kind of team that can help him unlock that next level. They also have a deep prospect base, deep enough to pique Pittsburgh's interest even while making the tippy top guys (Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer, etc.) off-limits."

Keller signed a five-year, $77 million deal in 2022, making him under contract through 2028. In 21 starts this season, the right-hander has a 3.53 ERA and 97 strikeouts across 125 innings. Keller may not be the best pitcher available on the market. Yet, his contract, consistency, and remaining years of control make him a more attractive option than some of the riskier players rumored to be on the move.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 24, 2025, where it first appeared.