Red Sox predicted to be top contenders for $6.5 million All-Star ace, would make epic 1-2 punch with Garrett Crochet originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Boston Red Sox have made multiple moves to improve their pitching this offseason, acquiring Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo through trade. However, they’ve still not found a true No. 2 to pair with Garrett Crochet.
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However, there is one final possible trade that could make them done with looking for pitching. That trade being Fansided’s Christopher Kline’s proposal of dealing for Washington Nationals All-Star and strikeout machine MacKenzie Gore.
“The Boston Red Sox made their first major swing of the offseason, acquiring Sonny Gray from St. Louis. He’s an instant Boston fan favorite with his Yankees bad blood, but is Gray a true No. 2 starter behind Garrett Crochet? Ideally not at this stage of his career. Boston still has the ammo to go out and get another weapon. Gore’s cheap, controllable contract makes him an especially appealing option. Boston could wield two of the nastiest left-handed pitchers in MLB come October. Crochet and Gore are strikeout machines; Gray suddenly looks much better as the No. 3. This is a huge win for Boston, and for Gore, who gets a chance to contend at the highest level,” Kline wrote.
This past season, Gore posted a 4.17 ERA with 185 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.353 over 159 innings pitched. However, Gore earned his All-Star nod by having an ERA of 3.08 and 138 strikeouts at the break.
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Gore’s best selling point other than his talent is his contract control. The Sox would have him for two years for less than $10 million per year, allowing them to spend in other places. Plus, when it’s over, they could sign him to a long-term deal if he enjoys his time in Boston.
If they’re smart, the Sox will start negotiations right away. Many teams will be checking in on him, and it’s time for the Sox to get uncomfortable and steal him away.
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