Red Sox could pursue $24 million Diamondbacks starter to strengthen rotation

The Boston Red Sox ended the first half of the season on a high note with a 10-game winning streak. Their surge has catapulted them into the second American League Wild Card spot.

Boston is also close in the AL East and could be a threat to the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays down the stretch. They have adjusted well to life without Rafael Devers.

They might be wise to target a starting pitcher or two to bolster the rotation. While the rotation has performed well lately, another top starter to go with Garrett Crochet wouldn't hurt.

Sean McAdam of MassLive proposed the idea of Boston targeting Arizona Diamondbacks starter Merrill Kelly.

"Problem is, there’s not much available starting pitching with remaining control. Many of the names circulating now are strictly rentals: Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly with Arizona are two of the most obvious examples," said McAdam.

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Kelly is 8-5 with a 3.34 ERA and 2.9 WAR in 20 starts with Arizona this season. He also has recorded 113 strikeouts in 116 innings of work.

He is a rental, as he'll enter free agency at the end of the season. With Arizona likely selling, he should be available.

Rental pitchers also come at a high cost at the trade deadline, so Boston might have to pay up in order to land the veteran right-hander. But they do have a solid farm system and prospects to spare in order to make a deal happen.

Boston is 52-45 and will likely be buying in the coming weeks. Kelly could be just what their rotation needs in order to help them continue their surge as the second half looms.

We'll see where Boston lands in its search for pitching.

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