The Boston Red Sox are riding a wave of momentum early in the 2025 season. Following a doubleheader sweep on Sunday, they have extended their winning streak to five games, indicating they’re finding their rhythm. However, amid these victories, there have been concerning signs from their pitching crew.
Although the Red Sox clinched wins on Thursday and Friday, they did so despite less-than-stellar performances from starting pitchers Tanner Houck and Walker Buehler, who have both had a rough start this season. With injuries plaguing Brayan Bello, Lucas Giolito, and Kutter Crawford, the Red Sox’s rotation is filled with uncertainty. F
ortunately, they have a star pitcher in Garrett Crochet, whom they recently secured with a six-year, $170 million contract extension. Nevertheless, they might need to bolster their rotation by acquiring another dependable pitcher before the trade deadline.
On Monday, Joseph Zucker from Bleacher Report suggested that Milwaukee Brewers’ starter Brandon Woodruff, a two-time All-Star who hasn’t played since September 2023, could be a trade target for the Red Sox this summer. “If Walker Buehler’s performance is any indication, Boston will need more pitching support,” Zucker noted.
“After securing Garrett Crochet and extending his contract for $170 million, it’s unlikely they will pursue another top-tier starter. The Red Sox could consider Woodruff, as the cost in terms of money and trade assets is likely less than that for Dylan Cease from the San Diego Padres.”
Woodruff, now 32, boasts a career ERA of 3.10 across 680 1/3 innings and was showing improvement before shoulder surgery sidelined him for 2024. In 2023, he achieved a 2.28 ERA with 74 strikeouts in 67 innings, though his standout season was 2021 when he recorded a career-high 5.3 rWAR.
The Brewers are typically open to trading players nearing the end of their contracts, which bodes well for Boston given Woodruff’s two-year, $17.5 million deal that expires soon. However, they will need to evaluate his performance upon his return to the mound, expected sometime in May, before making any decisions.
