Red Sox Predicted to Land 'Perfect Match' All-Star Ace After Tanner Houck Setback

Newsweek

3 days ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
The Boston Red Sox suffered a tough loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday, but they have reason for optimism headed into the trade deadline.
The team rattled off an impressive win streak before hitting the All-Star break, then took a game from the juggernaut Chicago Cubs. Most recently, the Phillies needed extra innings and a catcher's interference fluke to defeat them, as starter Walker Buehler enjoyed an encouraging return to form.
Now the Red Sox face a final chance to bolster their roster and prove that jettisoning Rafael Devers was indeed some addition by subtraction. And after starter Tanner Houck suffered an injury setback that could keep him out of the rotation for the rest of the year, it seems their biggest area of need will be a frontline ace, even if Buehler bounces back.
"Whereas their offense has kept humming along even after the trade of Rafael Devers in June, the starting rotation just keeps getting thinner underneath staff ace Garrett Crochet," Zachary Rymer wrote for Bleacher Report. "Kutter Crawford and Hunter Dobbins are already done for the year, and the same may be true of Tanner Houck after his latest setback."
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 29: MacKenzie Gore #1 of the Washington Nationals throws some warm up pitches during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on May 29, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia....
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 29: MacKenzie Gore #1 of the Washington Nationals throws some warm up pitches during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on May 29, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by) More
Kirkland/Getty
And with the need clear, Rymer predicted the Red Sox would fill it by swinging a trade for Washington Nationals All-Star Mackenzie Gore.
"As Gore is only 26 and controlled through 2027, the Nats might as well listen and see if anyone offers a boatload of talent that could help get their years-long rebuild back on the right track," Rymer added. "And if any team should indulge them, it's the Red Sox. ... To this end, Gore is a perfect match on paper."
In his fourth big-league season, Gore has a 3.49 ERA and 140 strikeouts across 20 starts, making him perhaps the most intriguing starter held by any likely trade deadline seller. Virtually every contending team would be interested in reinforcing their rotation with Gore, so the Red Sox would likely need to part with at least one highly ranked prospect to get him.
But with plenty of those on hand and a clear chance at a deep playoff run ahead, the Red Sox could very well be the trade landing spot for one of the National League's best pitchers.
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