The 2019 MLB Trade Deadline is just 10 days away, and the Boston Red Sox are looking at a number of players as they hope to gain ground in the American League East.
One of those players is Toronto Blue Jays starter Marcus Stroman, who the Red Sox actually scouted on Friday in Toronto's game against the Detroit Tigers.
After ranking as one of the best rotations in baseball last season, Boston's starters have been supremely disappointing in 2019. While the rotation ranks 11th in terms of fWAR, Red Sox starters have combined to post a 4.78 ERA, which ranks 19th in baseball and is over a full run higher than their mark from the previous year.
Meanwhile, Stroman is having arguably the best season of his career. The 28-year-old made his first All-Star team and has posted a 3.06 ERA in his first 20 starts. Despite having some uglier numbers in prior showings, the peripherals suggest that Stroman has been pretty steady throughout his career.
Despite Boston's interest in Stroman, it seems unlikely that they would actually have enough of an offer to even bring Toronto to the table. He still has another year of team control before he hits the open market after next season, and controllable assets are always at a premium at the trade deadline. Not to mention, the Red Sox have one of the worst farm systems in the game.
Still, Red Sox president Dave Dombrowski has become renowned for his ability to shake things up and make blockbuster deals. While Boston also has serious bullpen concerns (particularly at the end of games), it would not be a surprise to see Dombrowski get very aggressive in acquiring a marquee starting pitcher.
Follow Us
Subscribe