Ex-Red Sox Top Prospect Reportedly Could Be Traded; Boston Could Be Perfect Trade Partner

One intriguing fireballer may be on the move and he has ties to Boston

The Boston Red Sox are in a rut right now. 

Boston is 3-7 over its last 10 games and has dropped five of their last six games. The Red Sox have dealt with a plethora of injuries and inconsistent play but they have shown at points this season that they could be solid. Boston is starting to get healthier with slugger Adam Duvall set to return from the injured list Friday, but the club still is dealing with plenty of injuries to its pitchers.

The biggest injury that the Red Sox currently are dealing with is starting pitcher Chris Sale. The lanky lefty currently is on the injured list due to shoulder inflammation but there is no timetable left on his return. Boston's offense should be looking up with Duvall set to return and Trevor Story on the way back to the club, so it may make sense to add another pitcher ahead of the trade deadline if the club wants to compete for a postseason spot. One player who reportedly could become available is former Red Sox elite prospect and current Chicago White Sox pitcher Michael Kopech, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand.

"The White Sox remain a likely seller, and while names such as Lucas Giolito, Yasmani Grandal, and Lance Lynn have been mentioned as potential chips, it’s Kopech who might offer a chance at the biggest return," Feinsand said. "The 27-year-old has a 2.32 ERA in his past five starts, striking out 43 batters while allowing only 12 hits over 31 innings. Kopech is earning $2.05 million this season and is arbitration-eligible for two more years, putting the Sox in a strong position if they choose to capitalize on his recent performance."

Kopech was drafted by the Red Sox in the first round of the 2014 MLB June Amateur Draft and quickly became one of Boston's top-ranked prospects. The fireballer shined in the Boston farm system and was the club's No. 5 prospect before being dealt to the White Sox in a deal centered around Sale ahead of the 2017 season. Kopech made his MLB debut with Chicago in 2018 and in four seasons has compiled a career 3.81 ERA. 

The White Sox seem like they may blow up the club ahead of the 2023 MLB Trade Deadline and if the Red Sox could add a pitcher like Kopech, it certainly could only help. The righty struggled to begin the season, but has pitched to a 2.72 ERA over his last seven starts since the beginning of May and seems to be hitting his stride. Kopech is under team control for multiple seasons and Boston has the farm system to get a deal done if it wanted. 

Adding another pitcher could only help for the Red Sox and although it is a long shot, maybe a reunion would make sense with Kopech.

More MLB: Unknown Red Sox Prospect Shining; Could He Be Answer To Boston's Recent Struggles?