The Boston Red Sox are seeking to acquire a starting pitcher, but the market is highly competitive.
The pool of available starters is limited, especially with many fringe contenders (like Boston) looking to improve their rosters.
If the Red Sox miss out on pitchers like Garrett Crochet or Jack Flaherty, they need to have several backup plans ready.
Boston’s chief baseball officer, Craig Breslow, might start these plans by contacting the Washington Nationals about the trade status of Trevor Williams.
Williams, 32, is currently sidelined with a right flexor muscle strain but is expected to return in the second half of the season.
Williams is not widely discussed in trade talks. However, he has performed excellently this season, posting a 5-0 record with a 2.22 ERA in 56 2/3 innings across 11 starts.
Moreover, acquiring Williams wouldn’t be costly, and Boston wouldn’t be committed to his expiring contract after this season.
There’s no financial risk in trading for Williams, and he might be available, according to a report by FanSided’s Zachary Rotman.
Rotman noted that the Nationals are sellers and mentioned Williams among five players Washington should consider trading before July 30.
“Williams has been out with a right flexor muscle strain, but he’ll be back in the second half,” Rotman said. “His expiring contract means he wouldn’t cost much to acquire. He offers valuable flexibility at a very low prospect price.”
While Williams might not be the marquee acquisition Red Sox Nation hopes for, Breslow must be prepared for all possibilities over the next two weeks.
