Multi-Time All-Star Reportedly May Be Traded; Move Could Make Sense For Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox could end up being buyers around the 2023 MLB Trade Deadline.
Boston has hit a little slump and has lost each of its last four games but remains two games above .500 and should get even better as the club gets healthier. The Red Sox should have outfielder Adam Duvall and infielder Trevor Story back at some point this summer and the club's starting rotation has started to turn a corner.
The Red Sox's rotation may finally be set for now after the club sent veteran Corey Kluber to the bullpen Tuesday. Boston's rotation currently stands as Chris Sale, James Paxton, Brayan Bello, Tanner Houck, and Garrett Whitlock when he returns to the club. Things are looking up for Boston, but another addition wouldn't hurt. One player who reportedly may become available, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, and could make sense is Washington Nationals hurler Patrick Corbin.
"Don't look now, but it is possible that Nationals left-hander Patrick Corbin is pitching well enough to become a trade candidate, even though he is owed the balance of his $24 million salary this season and $35 million in 2024," Rosenthal said. "The Nationals obviously would need to include significant cash, probably in the tens of millions to move Corbin, who turns 34 in July. But Corbin's recent performance at least is encouraging.
"After opening the season with a 7.71 ERA in his first three starts, Corbin has averaged more than six innings in his last seven outings pitching to a 3.40 ERA. He is better executing his fastball and changeup, no longer needing to rely heavily on his slider."
Corbin may be a solid trade candidate for the Red Sox if the Nationals were to trade him and send some salary backs as well. Boston easily could complete a deal with its replenished farm system, plus the cost likely wouldn't be high because Corbin struggled over the last two seasons.
As we get closer to the trade deadline, there likely will be bigger names available -- like Chicago White Sox hurlers Lucas Giolito and Dylan Cease -- but if Boston fails to land a bigger fish, Corbin could be a solid backup option. The two-time All-Star at one point was one of the most dominant left-handed hurlers in the National League. This season so far he has compiled a 4.47 ERA in 10 starts but has been extremely efficient over his last seven. Boston has dealt with a plethora of injuries to its starting rotation so an addition for depth purposed would make sense.
If Corbin continues to impress, keep an eye out for him as we get closer to the trade deadline.
More MLB: NL Central Star Reportedly May Be Traded; Red Sox Could Make Move For All-Star Ace
