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NL Central Star Reportedly May Be Traded; Red Sox Could Make Move For All-Star Ace

One NL Central hurler may be the perfect piece to put the Red Sox over the top

The Boston Red Sox may be one big swing away from competing. 

Boston has surprised some people so far this season and is 26-23 through 59 games, but if the club truly wants to compete deep into the postseason it may still need more firepower. The Red Sox offense has been impressive and should get even better when outfielder Adam Duvall and infielder Trevor Story eventually return to the field. 

The Red Sox improved their bullpen this past offseason -- although another move wouldn't hurt. The biggest way the Red Sox could improve the club right now would be a trade for a top-of-the-rotation hurler. Boston was connected to seemingly everyone available this past offseason and was looking for a No. 2 starter to pair with Chris Sale, but a move didn't come to fruition. If the Red Sox are still interested in upgrading the rotation, one person they should keep their eyes on who reportedly could be traded is Chicago Cubs pitcher Marcus Stroman, according to The Athletic's Patrick Mooney. 

"You're always thinking" about the trade deadline (Jed Hoyer) said before Tuesday's 7-2 win over the (New York Mets) at Wrigley Field as transcribed by Mooney. "It's a real factor in every season, right? Whether you're looking for reinforcements, whether it's a year where you're selling, every team has it. You want to act with conviction when you get there -- either direction. Like I've said all along, I want nothing more than to be on the (buy) side of the transaction.

"Hovering around .500 this summer still might not be enough to convince Hoyer's front office to hold onto Opening Day starter Marcus Stroman (who can opt out of his contract after this season) and Golf Glove center fielder Cody Bellinger (who is signed to a one-year deal and on the injured list with a left knee contusion)." 

If the Cubs were to deal Stroman, it would make perfect sense for the Red Sox to make a move. The 32-year-old has been impressive this season and has compiled a 3.05 ERA across a league-leading 10 starts. Stroman has struck out 51 batters in 56 innings pitched to just 21 walks. 

Stroman will be a free agent at the end of the season and the Red Sox certainly have the money to afford his next contract. The one-time All-Star has been extremely dependable throughout his nine-year career and has compiled a 3.59 ERA over that span. Plus, he has plenty of American League East experience after spending the first five and a half seasons of his big league career with the Toronto Blue Jays. 

Rumors are sure to fly as we get closer to the summer, but if the Red Sox remain in contention for a postseason spot, Stroman may be the perfect player to help put them over the top and reach the playoffs.

More MLB: Ex-Red Sox Fan Favorite Fireballer Reportedly May Be Traded; Should Club Consider Reunion?