The Boston Red Sox may be looking for starting pitchers to slot in behind Garrett Rochet at the top of their rotation. Perhaps a trade with the Atlanta Braves could land a great No. 2 starter.

If the Red Sox want another frontline starter, they have plenty of options on the open market. However, those options will not be friendly to their payroll. Dylan Cease, Ranger Suárez and Framber Valdez could all be looking for nine-figure deals. However, the trade market may be cheaper.

FanSided’s Brian Burrows suggested the Red Sox trade for Braves starting pitcher Reynaldo López. López was an All-Star in 2024 and signed a three-year, $30 million extension after the season.

López had a 1.99 ERA through 135 2/3 innings in 2024. However, injuries in the second half of the season became a problem. Last season, he made just one start. He is not without risk, but the Red Sox are in a position to take the risk.

“At one point, the Dominican native looked like a steal,” wrote Burrows. “Now, he’s a starter who hasn’t been able to stay healthy for a season and a half. The Braves are coming off their first playoff miss since 2017. They have a wealth of young starters that they may look to try out as they try to retool. It is the perfect time for the Red Sox, who are looking to upgrade the rotation but have the depth to manage if Lopez misses time, to try and steal him at a discounted rate.”

López made his debut in 2016, but did not break out until 2024. If he’s healthy, he could easily slot in behind Crochet as Boston’s No. 2 starter.

However, if his 2024 season ends up being a fluke, the Red Sox will need to lean on their depth.

López has an $8 million club option for 2027 and is set to make $14 million next year. He is not as expensive as other starters and gives the Red Sox an option to move on after one season.