Red Sox Sending Scouts to Arizona to watch Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly

[Alex Mayes]

As the Red Sox are firmly entrenched in one of the toughest parts of their schedule, they are keeping an eye on some big name starting pitchers who could be available as the trade deadline approaches. It couldn't come at a better time with both Lucas Giolito and Brayan Bello turning in less than stellar starts against the Cubs and Tanner Houck being placed back on the injured list instead of being activated. 

According to Bob Nightengale, the Red Sox have sent scouts to Arizona to watch starters Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly.

Both starters would surely help bolster a starting rotation that can struggle behind Garrett Crochet at times. Craig Breslow has stated that he prefers controllable starters at the deadline while both Gallen and Kelly are free agents at the conclusion of the season but if the team is in 'win now' mode then either option makes sense even on a rental deal. Gallen is having a down year with a 5.40 ERA. Kelly looks a bit more stable with a 3.34 ERA but he is in his age 36 season. 

What do you think? Should the Red Sox be interested in acquiring either Zac Gallen or Merrill Kelly? Sound off in the comments below!

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[Jasonbay44]

If Kelly is relatively cheap due to his age and contract, he would be a good acquisition. But I have a feeling there will be multiple suitors for him and it’s going to take an overpay. 

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

47 minutes ago, Alex Mayes said:

As the Red Sox are firmly entrenched in one of the toughest parts of their schedule, they are keeping an eye on some big name starting pitchers who could be available as the trade deadline approaches. It couldn't come at a better time with both Lucas Giolito and Brayan Bello turning in less than stellar starts against the Cubs and Tanner Houck being placed back on the injured list instead of being activated. 

According to Bob Nightengale, the Red Sox have sent scouts to Arizona to watch starters Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly.

Both starters would surely help bolster a starting rotation that can struggle behind Garrett Crochet at times. Craig Breslow has stated that he prefers controllable starters at the deadline while both Gallen and Kelly are free agents at the conclusion of the season but if the team is in 'win now' mode then either option makes sense even on a rental deal. Gallen is having a down year with a 5.40 ERA. Kelly looks a bit more stable with a 3.34 ERA but he is in his age 36 season. 

What do you think? Should the Red Sox be interested in acquiring either Zac Gallen or Merrill Kelly? Sound off in the comments below!

 

View full rumor

 

The Sox ?offense? scored 1 total run in 2 games and you're calling out their starters. Give me a break.

 

[notin]

32 minutes ago, SPLENDIDSPLINTER said:

The Sox ?offense? scored 1 total run in 2 games and you're calling out their starters. Give me a break.

 

And both starters had rough first innings but then pitched very well.  For Giolito to give up 3 ER three batters into the game but then only 1 ER over the next 5.1 IP

Bello, too.  Started the game with back to back HRs.  Then gave up 4 H and one walk while getting 18 outs.

Neither looked bad after a rough start.  And neither was the problem…

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

3 hours ago, Alex Mayes said:

As the Red Sox are firmly entrenched in one of the toughest parts of their schedule, they are keeping an eye on some big name starting pitchers who could be available as the trade deadline approaches. It couldn't come at a better time with both Lucas Giolito and Brayan Bello turning in less than stellar starts against the Cubs and Tanner Houck being placed back on the injured list instead of being activated. 

According to Bob Nightengale, the Red Sox have sent scouts to Arizona to watch starters Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly.

Both starters would surely help bolster a starting rotation that can struggle behind Garrett Crochet at times. Craig Breslow has stated that he prefers controllable starters at the deadline while both Gallen and Kelly are free agents at the conclusion of the season but if the team is in 'win now' mode then either option makes sense even on a rental deal. Gallen is having a down year with a 5.40 ERA. Kelly looks a bit more stable with a 3.34 ERA but he is in his age 36 season. 

What do you think? Should the Red Sox be interested in acquiring either Zac Gallen or Merrill Kelly? Sound off in the comments below!

 

View full rumor

 

A trade package of Kelly and Naylor going to the Sox is probably more realistic than acquiring Ryan.

[notin]

5 minutes ago, SPLENDIDSPLINTER said:

A trade package of Kelly and Naylor going to the Sox is probably more realistic than acquiring Ryan.

Very much so…

[notin]

2 hours ago, SPLENDIDSPLINTER said:

The Sox ?offense? scored 1 total run in 2 games and you're calling out their starters. Give me a break.

 

One thing to keep in mind is that with no August waiver deadline anymore, July 31st is the last chance to trade for outside MLB starter depth.  I don’t think anyone wants to see the deadline pass with no starters, only to then lose, say, Giolito and Bello for the season in mid-August.  Fitts and Harrison can only carry this team so far…

[notin]

12 minutes ago, SPLENDIDSPLINTER said:

A trade package of Kelly and Naylor going to the Sox is probably more realistic than acquiring Ryan.

BTV gives Kelly $4.4mill surplus value and Naylor $3.1mill in surplus value.  A “fair trade” would be 17yo OF Harold Rivas.  But will that be enough for AZ?  It seems like an easily beatable offer…

[moonslav59]

1 hour ago, SPLENDIDSPLINTER said:

A trade package of Kelly and Naylor going to the Sox is probably more realistic than acquiring Ryan.

Yes, but the cost for these two rentals will likely be steep, and after this year, we got nada.

[TedYazPapiMookie]

If scouts are checking out Gallen and Kelly they should ONLY focus on Gallen.  At 30, he's got good years left to extend him as part of the deal.  Kelly would be a waste of prospects.  If you are investing prospects the player needs to be extended as part of the deal.   Gallen is an excellent addition especially if coupled with Edward Cabrera.  The 2026 starting staff would look awesome with those two additions.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

On 7/20/2025 at 2:17 PM, notin said:

BTV gives Kelly $4.4mill surplus value and Naylor $3.1mill in surplus value.  A “fair trade” would be 17yo OF Harold Rivas.  But will that be enough for AZ?  It seems like an easily beatable offer…

Yes. I'll raise it to a 25-year old Rivas Chegal... blended whisky: $339.99 at Total Wine and More