Red Sox Seek Trade for All-Star López Amid Rotation Struggles

The Boston Red Sox's starting rotation has struggled significantly at the start of the 2025 season, highlighted by Tanner Houck's disastrous outing in which he allowed 11 earned runs—the worst start in franchise history. Houck, once an All-Star, has seen a dramatic decline in performance, leading the American League in both earned runs and home runs allowed, and contributing to the team's overall rotation ERA of 4.55. While Garrett Crochet has been a bright spot with an impressive 1.38 ERA, the rest of the staff has faltered, with injuries to Brayan Bello, Lucas Giolito, and others further depleting depth. The Red Sox recently traded Quinn Priester to the Brewers, who has since excelled with his new team, raising concerns about the wisdom of the deal despite acquiring a top prospect and a draft pick in return. As they await the return of injured starters, there is increasing pressure on the Red Sox front office to seek external solutions if the rotation fails to rebound. The team's ability to contend this season may hinge on these upcoming decisions and the health of their pitching staff.