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Red Sox Trade Idea Sends Gold Glove Outfielder to Pirates for All-Star Pitcher

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sterling Bennett | Last updated Jun 13, 2025 5:10 PM ET

The Boston Red Sox are starting to turn a corner after calling up top prospect Roman Anthony. Amid a nine-game stretch against the American League East, Boston has secured a 4-2 record thus far.

Although a weekend series against the New York Yankees will determine the final results, the Red Sox look refreshed.

The offense has averaged seven runs per game and mashed 14 home runs since June 4. As the offense does its part, the pitching remains an issue.

According to FanGraphs, the Red Sox have the 19th-ranked starting rotation. To make matters worse, their collective 4.50 ERA is the sixth-highest in baseball.

They need help if they want to contend in the AL Wild Card picture, and despite a handful of intriguing options on the trade block, the Red Sox should have their eyes on a starter not often thought of as a potential top-deadline acquisition.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are in the NL Central cellar and vying for a top-five pick in next year’s draft. The front office has shown no signs of wanting to capitalize on Paul Skenes’ dominance and seems more interested in shedding contracts than spending. With that in mind, starting pitcher Mitch Keller becomes an under-the-radar trade piece.

Keller, 29, is in the second year of a five-year, $77 million contract that runs through 2028. If Pittsburgh does not want to continue its investment through his salary escalation, the Red Sox are a suitor.

The need is clear, and Keller’s 4.15 ERA and 65 strikeouts across 82.1 innings of work would fit nicely in Boston’s rotation behind ace Garrett Crochet. The controllable years left on his contract may raise Pittsburgh’s asking price, but it could also make Boston more willing to deal.

Walker Buehler and Lucas Giolito have options unlikely to be picked up. Injuries to Tanner Houck and Kutter Crawford also further complicate the rotation’s future. While the latter two are expected to return this season, Keller would be the only qualified pitcher, other than Crochet, with 80 or more innings, 60 strikeouts, and an ERA below 4.20 on the roster.

With a crowded outfield, Boston could entice the Pirates with Wilyer Abreu as the headliner of a deal. Abreu, 25, was placed on the 10-day injured list to make way for top prospect Roman Anthony’s promotion – a sign he is potentially expendable.

Under team control through 2029, Abreu is in the middle of a career season. Slashing .245/.321/.471 with 13 home runs, 32 RBIs, and ranking 10th in defensive runs saved, he would provide Pittsburgh with young offensive firepower to pair with Skenes and hopefully jumpstart a new era.

The Red Sox can be anything but timid at the trade deadline. Whether they decide to buy or sell, Boston must pick a direction. Trading Abreu, or any outfielder for that matter, for Keller is the best of both worlds. It improves the rotation while freeing up more playing time for Anthony.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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