Red Sox trade possibility helps starting pitching with 41-year old veteran

The Boston Red Sox head toward the MLB trade deadline in need of more starting pitching.

There may not actually be a ton available, though.

The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal thinks Boston may have to settle for 41-year old Charlie Morton of the Orioles.

Here's what Rosenthal writes:

Morton, 41, was the symbol of the Orioles’ early-season collapse, posting a 10.89 ERA in his first five starts. But over his last 59 innings, dating to April 29, his ERA is 3.05.

One of many Orioles on an expiring contract, Morton suddenly looks like an attractive chip. During Fox’s All-Star preview show on Monday, I mentioned him as a possibility for the Boston Red Sox.

Yes, the Red Sox would love to do better, and perhaps they will. But the starting pitching market is thin and Sox manager Alex Cora is familiar with Morton from the 2017 Houston Astros. With Bryan Bello and Lucas Giolito both on a roll, perhaps the Sox would be OK with someone like Morton rather than a pure (and possibly unattainable) No. 2 starter.

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Morton has certainly seen everything there is to see on a baseball diamond. He has postseason experience. He wouldn't be a bad pickup.

Sure, the fanbase might want someone flashier, but it's not clear whether that's attainable.

Setting the bar at getting a guy like Morton is a good start to the proceedings for the Red Sox.

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