With news emerging that Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Walker Buehler has suffered a shoulder injury, the team may soon find itself in the market for a reliable veteran to reinforce its starting rotation. Although it’s still early in the season and the full extent of Buehler’s injury remains uncertain, the Red Sox front office may choose to wait before making any rash decisions on the trade front. However, should they opt to act sooner rather than later, there are several viable pitching candidates they could pursue. Below are three arms that stand out as potential trade targets for Boston:
1. Andrew Heaney – Pittsburgh Pirates
Andrew Heaney may not have an impressive win-loss record over the course of his MLB career, but the 2024 season has seen him perform at a higher level in his first year with the Pirates. The 32-year-old left-hander has compiled a 2-2 record with a strong 2.50 ERA over 36 innings in six starts. While his most recent outing—against the Chicago Cubs—was his weakest (4 earned runs in 4 2/3 innings and zero strikeouts), that start appears to be an outlier. He has only allowed more than one run in two of his six starts and has consistently logged high strikeout totals in most of his appearances. Adding Heaney would give Boston another dependable left-handed starter to pair with Garrett Crochet, while also bringing in a pitcher who’s already proven he can be effective against tough opponents—he tossed seven strong innings of one-run ball against the Yankees earlier this season.
2. Sandy Alcántara – Miami Marlins
Sandy Alcántara was once seen as one of the most coveted arms potentially available at this season’s trade deadline. A former National League Cy Young Award winner, Alcántara came into 2024 with high expectations. Unfortunately, he has struggled mightily so far. In six starts, he owns an alarming 8.31 ERA, with just 19 strikeouts over 26 innings. He has given up multiple runs in every outing, and his current form looks far removed from the dominant ace of 2022. However, this downturn in performance may actually work in Boston’s favor. Alcántara’s poor early-season numbers could significantly lower his trade value, meaning the Red Sox might be able to acquire him without giving up top-tier prospects. A move from a struggling Miami franchise to a more competitive and energized Boston team might just be the spark Alcántara needs to turn things around.
3. Yusei Kikuchi – Los Angeles Angels
Despite being a seasoned left-hander with solid potential, Yusei Kikuchi’s name hasn’t been circulating much in trade rumor discussions. That may be due to his hefty annual salary of over $20 million, or perhaps because he’s flying under the radar on a struggling Los Angeles Angels team. Regardless, the Red Sox should definitely have him on their radar. Kikuchi, while winless at 0-4, has posted a serviceable 4.21 ERA through seven starts. His struggles have primarily come against underperforming offenses like those of the Rays and Twins, suggesting his rough outings may be early-season anomalies. Kikuchi’s track record and upside make him an intriguing mid-rotation option for Boston, and he could thrive in a more competitive environment. If he can recapture his best form, Kikuchi could play a key role in helping the Red Sox push for a postseason berth—a goal the team hasn’t achieved since 2021.
In summary, the Red Sox are facing a pivotal moment. Walker Buehler’s injury could sideline a critical component of their rotation, and depending on how the situation evolves, the team may need to explore external reinforcements sooner rather than later. Whether it’s the steady Andrew Heaney, the high-ceiling (but struggling) Sandy Alcántara, or the overlooked Yusei Kikuchi, Boston has options—each with a unique risk-reward profile. The decisions made in the coming weeks could shape the direction of their 2024 campaign.
Leave a Reply