The Boston Red Sox have needs in the infield at this year's trade deadline, but they are also looking at pitching, according to The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey.
"The club remains engaged in seeking pitching help both on the starting depth and reliever markets," wrote McCaffrey on Friday. "With rookie starters Jake Bennett and Payton Tolle already surpassing career highs in innings, coupled with the trade of Early and the fact that Patrick Sandoval has not pitched a full season in more than two years, the Red Sox could use starting depth. Garrett Crochet has not pitched since April as he continues to rehab from a shoulder injury that’s lingered far longer than anticipated."
Even if Crochet misses the rest of the year, the Red Sox rotation is elite. Sonny Gray, Payton Tolle, Jake Bennett and Ranger Suarez would be an elite postseason rotation. However, the workloads are a concern. There is no shortage of starting pitching available at the trade deadline, so the Red Sox should have no trouble finding an arm.
It's probably safe to assume they won't do something reckless and trade the farm for three months of Tarik Skubal, knowing they have bigger needs. However, they could be in on arms like Casey Mize, Freddy Peralta and Robbie Ray.
Crochet's return would give the starting rotation a huge boost, but it's unclear if he will be able to pitch again this year. This is the Red Sox's last real chance to add to the rotation, so Craig Breslow may play it safe and bolster the depth in the rotation.
An injury to one of Gray, Bennett, Tolle or Suarez would put the Red Sox in a tough spot. A backend starter may not be cheap in this year's trade market, but it's a cost that would be worth paying.