The Boston Red Sox remain in the hunt for an American League wild card spot despite falling four games under .500 as of May 30.
This puts them in an interesting position ahead of the MLB trade deadline, where selective buying could be the most opportune route for the Red Sox.
For example, how about a trade for an up-and-coming starting pitcher who is still under team control in 2025 and beyond?
Miami Marlins starter Ryan Weathers pitches at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in 2025.
Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
CBS Sports staff writer R.J. Anderson recently suggested Miami Marlins left-hander Ryan Weathers as a possible “trade fit” for Boston.
“Weathers has the potential to be one of the deadline’s biggest wild cards,” Anderson noted. Explaining: “He’s only pitched a few times so far this season, but he’s captured attention with his improved stuff and velocity.”
“Weathers won’t even qualify for arbitration until after this winter, giving the Marlins the option to hold and let him gain value,” the MLB writer added. Concluding: “I’m including him anyway because teams in need of another above-average starter might be willing to make a speculative play for his services.”
The Red Sox would fit that profile, as Anderson pointed out.
Outside of ace Garrett Crochet, Boston hasn’t gotten a whole lot of consistency out of their collection of starting options this season.
Brayan Bello and Walker Buehler have worked their respective ERAs down under 4.00, but rookie Hunter Dobbins has pitched to mixed results, and veterans Lucas Giolito and Tanner Houck have gotten crushed more often than not.
Weathers would provide another organizational option with upside.
A former No. 7 overall selection of the San Diego Padres in 2018, the 25-year-old Weathers has been surging in Miami this year. Pitching to a 1.15 ERA over his first 3 starts.
Weathers hasn’t been a huge strikeout pitcher throughout his major league career, with a Ks per nine innings of 7.4 since his debut in 2021. But he’s bumped that average up to 8.6 Ks per nine in 2025.
Since joining the Marlins via trade in 2023, Weathers has a cumulative ERA of 3.75 over 115.1 innings pitched. He’d be a worthwhile flyer for the Red Sox, assuming Miami is willing to move him.
