Report: Yankees, Red Sox eyeing same starting pitchers via trade

The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees have found themselves jockeying for postseason position as the MLB trade deadline quickly approaches, and they reportedly have interest in acquiring some of the same players.

Both the Red Sox and Yankees are looking to improve their starting rotation ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. According to a column that was published on Sunday by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, both teams have recently sent scouts to watch Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitchers Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly.

The Yankees entered Sunday with a record of 55-44. The Red Sox are 53-47 and have been one of the best teams in baseball since they made the stunning decision to trade Rafael Devers last month. Both Boston and New York are chasing the AL East-leading Toronto Blue Jays.

The Red Sox recently lost one of their starting pitchers for the season to an off-field accident. If they are truly looking to contend, they could potentially try to add a starting pitcher and a quality bat to replace Devers in their lineup, though they have been better without the slugger.

Gallen is having a rough season, so the Diamondbacks might be willing to part with him at a discounted rate. The 29-year-old is 7-10 with a 5.40 ERA this season, which is well above his career ERA of 3.55.

Kelly, who is 36, has been much better for Arizona this season. The right-hander is 8-5 with a 3.34 ERA in 20 starts.

The Yankees have also been linked to an All-Star slugger ahead of the deadline.