Red Sox could swing trade for struggling $116 million All-Star

The Boston Red Sox may not be meeting expectations, but there is still time for the team to turn things around. They are only three games out of a wild card spot.

The Red Sox starting rotation will need a boost if they want to make a postseason push. Their offense should get a huge boost when Alex Bregman returns, but they still do not have any reliable starters after Garrett Crochet. Overall, their starters have produced a 4.29 ERA, which is one of the worst in baseball.

There may not be many great options available at the trade deadline, but the Red Sox could try and acquire a pitcher who has shown his potential but may be having a down year. The Boston Herald's Mac Cerullo suggested the team could try and acquire Zac Gallen from the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Diamondbacks are in a similar situation to the Red Sox. They are in fourth place in their division and dealing with injuries, but are still within striking distance of a wild card spot. However, their path to October may be tougher.

"Given that the Diamondbacks play in one of baseball’s hardest divisions and face a tough road to the postseason, Arizona might decide it’s best to capitalize on whatever value their former ace has left," wrote Cerullo. "Gallen’s struggles are concerning, but at his best he’s been one of the best pitchers in baseball, and like Sandy Alcántara a contender could make a bet they can help him rediscover his old form."

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Gallen has a 5.45 ERA this year. He is going to be a free agent after the season, and the Diamondbacks may not be looking to pay him after paying Corbin Burnes last offseason. Gallen finished top five in the National League Cy Young Award race in 2022 and 2023. He was an All-Star in 2023 and is projected to sign a six-year, $116 million deal in the offseason.

He had a 3.20 ERA from 2022 to 2024. If he can find something close to that level of production, he would represent a huge upgrade to the Red Sox's rotation.