The Red Sox’s front office isn’t blind; they know what’s unfolding. While their offense is humming and the bullpen is holding up, the rotation has become a wobbly leg on an otherwise sturdy chair. That imbalance worsened when a promising rookie went down, and not with just any injury, a torn ACL that ended his season mid-play. It’s gutted Boston’s depth and sparked a quiet but urgent search for answers; and that’s when a name from the AL West started picking up steam.
As per insider @bradfo, Boston has been “asking around” about an intriguing arm — a 25-year-old flamethrower with swing-and-miss stuff and upside that fits their win-now mode. The pitcher in question has 98 strikeouts over 113 innings, a 3.90 ERA, and the kind of bulldog mentality that fits well at Fenway. The pitcher? José Soriano, who’s turning heads as one of the more attainable trade chips this deadline. The Angels, reportedly open to offers, are quietly fielding calls, and Boston’s near the top of the list.
But before we get too deep into why the Red Sox want Soriano, let’s talk about who might be in trouble if they land him.
The uncomfortable reality? It’s a high-priced, low-output veteran who once dominated October but now can’t string together five clean innings. Walker Buehler, the Red Sox‘s $21.5 million reclamation project, is clinging to his rotation spot despite a 6.12 ERA through 16 starts. And let’s be real — this is not a case of bad luck. His velocity has dipped, his command is spotty, and his confidence seems shaken. That’s exactly why the Dodgers let him walk — and Boston’s gamble isn’t paying off.
As one scout put it to Foul Territory: “Some teams think it’s a possibility the A’s will entertain offers for Mason Miller,” said @JimBowdenGM, using Miller’s name — but it echoes the same vibe around Soriano: young, controllable, and potentially game-changing.
The Red Sox have been asking around about Angels RHP José Soriano, according to @bradfo. pic.twitter.com/KJeV2EW5Ni
— Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) July 18, 2025
The timing couldn’t be clearer. Boston’s looking to add just as Buehler is giving them every reason to subtract. They’re not waiting for hope to turn into heartbreak — not this late in the race.
Even more importantly, Soriano isn’t just a plug-in. He’s a potential stabilizer. His career ERA of 3.66 over 80 games shows consistency, and while his WHIP is a touch high at 1.45, his swing-and-miss stuff offers what Buehler’s no longer providing: the ability to shut down momentum before it starts.
The Red Sox know what they’re doing here. This isn’t panic — it’s preparation. Soriano represents control, youth, and a shot at balancing the rotation before it topples. And Buehler? Unless things turn fast, he may be pitching himself off the roster while the team looks ahead.
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