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As the Boston Red Sox continue to hold onto a playoff position in a competitive American League, the front office is reportedly exploring options to reinforce the starting rotation ahead of the July 31 Major League Baseball trade deadline. With injuries thinning out their pitching depth, most notably the season-ending torn ACL suffered by Hunter Dobbins, the Red Sox are expected to prioritise starting pitching in the coming weeks.
NESN analyst Mike Rosenstein has linked Boston to Miami Marlins right-hander Cal Quantrill as a realistic and affordable trade target. While Quantrill’s current numbers don’t reflect dominance, he is 3-8 with a 5.62 ERA over 18 starts this season—he remains a veteran presence with postseason experience and could offer the Red Sox stability toward the back end of the rotation.
Quantrill, 30, is best known for his breakout 2022 campaign with the Cleveland Guardians, during which he posted a 15-5 record and a 3.38 ERA. Though his performance has trended downward since that season, his $3.5 million salary and expiring contract make him a low-risk, short-term rental for any contender in need of innings. His playoff experience, while limited, 0-2 with a 5.23 ERA in three appearances, could still be valuable in a swing role, whether as a starter or long reliever.
Given the high asking price for top-tier arms like Sandy Alcantara or Edward Cabrera, Quantrill could represent a middle ground for Boston, requiring less prospect capital while still addressing a pressing need. While not a game-changer, he would help raise the rotation’s floor and provide some much-needed depth for the stretch run.
With the trade deadline approaching, Boston’s decision-makers will need to weigh whether Quantrill, or another cost-effective option, offers the right mix of affordability, experience, and immediate impact as they look to solidify their postseason chances.