The Boston Red Sox need a reliable ace, and they need it now, because there is a clear loophole in the Red Sox’s rotation. And they need to fix it now if the Red Sox intend to play October baseball. Garrett Crochet is reliable, but the 26-year-old is set to record his career-high innings pitched next week and needs some support. And let’s not talk about Brayan Bello, Lucas Giolito, or Walker Buehler, who are not consistent from the mound.

Considering the need, BoSox GM Craig Breslow made it clear that the front office is “taking an aggressive posture.” And it was rhetoric. If the latest reports are anything to go by, the Alex Cora-led clubhouse is already on the hunt for Mitch Keller, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ $77 million ace with a 3.48 ERA and control through 2028. Boston, moreover, has the outfield depth and young hitters to tempt the Pirates to make this deal happen. ESPN even floated an idea—Keller for Jarren Duran. Bold, but if that gets Boston to October, is it that unbelievable?

Yes, Keller’s ERA is not too impressive, and neither does he throw like Gerrit Cole or Spencer Tride, but the way he gives his bullpen a much-needed break by throwing almost every fifth day, Cora won’t ask for anything more. However, Boston is not alone in pursuing the 29-year-old ace. The Mets are also circling Keller. They also need rotation help, given Paul Blackburn’s injury and Dedniel Nunez’s condition. Keller is said to be “the best option,” even if he is far from perfect.

Now, while the Mets and BoSox both desire Keller despite his flaws, the entire trade rests on whether the Pirates are keen on moving on from their ace. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic mentioned, “Trading right-hander Mitch Keller is probably the best way for the Pittsburgh Pirates to acquire badly needed offense and clear payroll to sign free-agent hitters in the offseason. But, according to sources inside and outside the organization, the Pirates do not yet have clarity on whether they want to move Keller.” General manager Ben Cherington stands at the center of the debate, possibly under pressure from the owner, Bob Nutting. If Cherington is on the hot seat, this deadline could essentially shape his future.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are at a crossroads. Some apparently within the org argue that the best way to build around Paul Skenes is to keep the core intact. Keller, David Bednar, Dennis Santana, Bryan Reynolds, and Oneil Cruz. This approach, though, would only make sense if Pittsburgh were willing to spend big on the offensive front. And that’s an approach they have avoided historically. Plus, with Keller’s $16.5M, $18M, and $20M salaries looming over their heads, a trade could clear space but also gut their rotation.

At 29, Keller’s ERA is 3.53 and is expected to rise to 3.82. Despite a relatively modest strikeout rate, he draws praise. Former MLB star Adam Wainwright called him fully capable of top-of-the-rotation dominance if he is not already there. So while the Boston Red Sox have the pieces to close this deal, the New York teams are keeping it in play.

Boston Red Sox eye another big arm as playoff push heats up

There is no doubt that the Boston Red Sox are hanging around in the playoff conversation longer than many had expected. But now that they have them, they are not lurking at the trade deadline; they are here to strike. And Boston’s front office knows its team and the firepower it has to get into the AL postseason push. But there are, of course, some obvious pieces missing—pitching. Especially what’s missing is someone who can stand tall on the mound every fifth day and take the pressure. Alex Speier of the Boston Globe simply mentioned that the Sox need to get better and protect against the possibility of getting depleted. This means if the Boston Red Sox need to stay in the race, they cannot sit idle, hoping for the best.

Now, names like Minnesota’s Joe Ryan have been tossed around in the rumor world, but it seems like the door is shut. However, Ryan is not a free agent until 2027, and the Twins are not budging either, not for packages around Duran or Abreu. On the board, though, is not just Mitch Keller but also San Diego Padres Dylan Cease. Both are great, and given Tanner Houck is sidelined, it means more for the team. The Boston Red Sox seem to be in contact with the Marlins for Sandy Alcantara. Yes, the 2022 Cy Young winner.

According to MassLive’s Sean McAdam, the talks are quick for sure, but Boston’s interest is real. Also, adding Alcantara would be magical for the team. He will be in control through 2026 and has a team option for 2027. Now, the biggest question is whether the Red Sox will pull the trigger.