At least before their recent losing streak, the Red Sox indicated that they plan to seek out additions to the big league roster at this year’s trade deadline. Given they still buy, it seems that they will prioritize two of their biggest lingering needs: an additional playoff-caliber starting pitcher, and an impact right-handed bat.

I feel that the Red Sox should prioritize making their biggest addition at starting pitcher, but also look into under the radar options to improve their fate against tough left handed pitchers. 

Below I have provided 3 of my favorite options to address each need (plus two honorable mentions), and provided information about the potential competition for these players. 

Starting Pitching

The starting pitching market is competitive, but there are enough pitchers to go around for the teams who need them. If the Red Sox prioritize starting pitching and are willing to offer a good prospect package to get one, they should be right in the mix. 

Research that will be detailed in my upcoming podcast shows that it is important to consider both career and season ERA when looking for a pitching addition. Of the 16 major starters dealt at the last two deadlines, exactly half had an ERA with their new team closer to their career ERA than their ERA from the first half of the season. I averaged the career and season-long ERA of all likely-to-be-traded starters, and all three of the ones listed below averaged below 3.60. 

The Twins, Braves, Brewers, Cardinals, Guardians, and Mets may also be in the mix for any of these pitchers. However, the Red Sox and Orioles have a greater particular need for a left-handed-pitcher than any of the above teams. I feel if the Red Sox are willing to go all in on a big-name lefty, they absolutely have the capability to land one.

Below are my favorite targets for the Sox:

LHP Garrett Crochet, White Sox

If you told me Garrett Crochet would be my top pick for a new Red Sox pitcher at the start of 2024, I would have called you crazy. However, it has become clear that Crochet is just the type of pitcher Craig Breslow has been looking for throughout his tenure as general manager. He is young and has at least 2.5 years of team control remaining. To add to it, he would become the only lefty in this Red Sox rotation. 

Crochet has shined throughout his young career and has gained national attention in his first full season as a starter. Leading the league in strikeouts through the All-Star Break, he held a 3.05 ERA on the season and a sub-3.00 career ERA.

I’m sure plenty of teams will be vying for Crochet, especially the Baltimore Orioles, but Crochet presents a golden opportunity for Breslow and this is his chance to capitalize on it.

Breaking up the big three is not preferable, but I would potentially consider including young big league OF Wilyer Abreu alongside prospects such as Wikelman Gonzalez, Nick Yorke, and Miguel Bleis in a package for Crochet. The Red Sox have a current and upcoming lefty-heavy outfield logjam, and can replace Abreu’s left-handed bat with an additional trade for a right-handed bat.

LHP Tyler Anderson, Angels

Anderson’s effectiveness has been inconsistent throughout his career, but I would not expect a massive drop-off from his All-Star first half. Anderson holds a career 4.20 ERA and has shown some consistency through innings, throwing at least 140 innings in each of the last 3 seasons. In addition, he has dominated in each of his two playoff starts, with just 1 earned run and 6 hits across 11 total innings.

Anderson is one of few non-Crochet lefties that will likely draw significant interest at this deadline. If the Orioles end up landing Crochet, Anderson would be a nice contigency prize for the Red Sox and it would cost them less of the farm. However, his career-long inconsistency, high FIP this season, and pace for a career innings record do raise red flags that Crochet simply does not have.

RHP Chris Bassitt, Blue Jays

If the Red Sox don’t have their mind set on a lefty, or don’t want to pay the hefty price for Crochet, Bassitt could be a good option for them. 

Bassitt may have the most proven track record of any starter available at this deadline. Bassitt has posted a sub-4.00 ERA in each of the last 7 seasons. While Bassitt has not had the type of season Crochet or Anderson have, and wouldn’t balance the Red Sox rotation the way those two would, that consistency is a valuable asset that should be considered.

Bassitt will definitely have a competitive market, but will still cost less than Crochet, and Bassitt’s year-to-year consistency is worth investing a significant amount in.

Honorable Mentions: RHP Trevor Williams (Nationals), RHP Jack Flaherty (Tigers)

Right-Handed Bat

The competition for quality bats is even more intense than the competition for pitching. The Mariners, Diamondbacks, Braves, Brewers, Cubs, Royals, Yankees, Padres, Orioles, Astros, Rangers, Cardinals, and Dodgers could all be in the mix to add. However, I see the Red Sox targeting under the radar options that these teams may overlook. If there’s a guy that’s a really good fit for them though, there’s a chance they pay up to compete with the above teams.

DH/1B Justin Turner, Blue Jays

Turner was a fan-favorite and clubhouse leader for the Red Sox last season, and had interest in coming back this season. Unfortunately, the Red Sox did not offer the money that Toronto did. Things could come full circle with the Red Sox buying and Blue Jays selling.

His overall stats this year don’t look great, but he has had hot streaks here and there, and his .295 average and .812 OPS vs. lefties prior to the break is encouraging. In addition, the low overall numbers could cause him to fly under the radar in other teams’ deadline efforts.

With Triston Casas on the IL, Dom Smith has been a decent replacement, but it would still be preferable if he was part of a platoon with a right handed rental who can play first. Turner would fill that hole over his first month or so here, and once Casas is fully healthy Turner could also see time at designated hitter against lefties. Turner would fill an important role in Boston and would come at a very reasonable price.

UT Luis Rengifo, Angels

Rengifo might be the perfect fit for the Red Sox’s need. He can play a number of different positions, and could likely fill in at second, short, or first when necessary. In addition, he was batting .384 against lefties before the break, which was top 5 in the majors. 

However, Rengifo has been more than just a lefty killer in recent weeks, and it’s driven up his value. I feel the jump in price from Turner to Rengifo may not be worth it if there’s significant competition for the services of the utility man.

2B Jonathan India, Reds

India was linked to the Red Sox as early as this offseason when Breslow was targeting a new second baseman. Now, with Vaughn Grissom underwhelming and the Reds in position to sell, this could be a good opportunity for the Sox to make this move.

The Reds are not necessarily in fire sale mode, but India will not be necessary for the Reds once Matt McLain returns to health.

Much like Rengifo though, India will be in high demand across the league. I do think his proven track record makes him worth the price, but if the Red Sox move for a big name starter like Crochet, the farm system might end up too depleted for a team that’s not currently in a playoff spot.

Honorable Mentions: DH/1B Josh Bell (Marlins), OF/DH Charlie Blackmon (Rockies)

All will be revealed soon when it comes to how Breslow wants to invest in this team leading up to the playoffs. Comment with anyone else you think the Red Sox should target, as well as your thoughts on the above options.