The Red Sox have developed something of a curious habit over the years. They jump into the fray for big-name stars, only to back out before the finish line. It’s a pattern that has become all too familiar to fans and rivals alike. If you remember, back in 2017, they were reportedly in the mix for Justin Verlander at the trade deadline. But ultimately balked due to luxury tax concerns. That allowed the Astros to swoop in and secure the ace in a move that got them going after the World Series title.
That same year, the Red Sox were also linked to Japanese phenom Shohei Ohtani, only to see him land with the Angels. Now, fast forward to today, and once again, just after a blockbuster deal has been finalized, whispers emerge that the Red Sox were once again in the mix. So, it looks like it’s become part of their identity, always around the action, rarely part of the final act. The latest trade involved a veteran reliever who could have elevated the moderate bullpen of the Red Sox (3.44 ERA).
In a latest X post, MLB insider Bob Nightengale revealed, “There were nine teams who scouted David Robertson in Providence on Saturday, including Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow and assistant Eddie Romero, with Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski winning the sweepstakes over his former team.”
There were nine teams who scouted David Robertson in Providence on Saturday, including Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow and assistant Eddie Romero, with Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski winning the sweepstakes over his former team.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 20, 2025
Well, it turned out that the Red Sox made a serious push to sign veteran reliever David Robertson. But he ended up rejoining the Phillies on Sunday. For the unversed, the Sox have been connected to Robertson for years, partly because he lives nearby in Rhode Island. But despite the ongoing interest, he’s never actually suited up for them.
Robertson, now 40, pitched in 68 games for the Rangers last season. He posted a solid 3.00 ERA and racked up 99 strikeouts over 72 innings. Currently, he’s now headed back to the Phillies on a prorated one-year deal worth just over $6 million, based on a $16 million full-season salary. Well, this won’t be his first stint in Philly either.
Robertson previously pitched in Philadelphia in 2019 and again in 2022. Now, this is going to be his third term with them, while for the Red Sox, it’s a good missed opportunity.
Red Sox traditionally linked with several names, and it continues
Well, the Red Sox not only missed Varlendar, Ohtani, and Robertson. They have been linked with a few more names, which never saw the daylight. For instance, Boston was one of the finalists for Jose Abreu in 2013. But lost out to the White Sox, who offered more years and dollars. They even aggressively pursued Mark Teixeira in 2008 and believed they had him signed. At the last minute, he joined the Yankees for more money.
Hence, be it about unwillingness to offer a higher pay scale or more years, the Red Sox eventually lost a few good names in the process. While losing out on Aaron Judge, Ohtani, or Abreu proved fatal for the team, let’s see what’s waiting after missing out on Robertson. Moreover, there are a few names still rumored with the Red Sox.
MLB, Baseball Herren, USA Detroit Tigers at Miami Marlins Jul 30, 2023 Miami, Florida, USA Miami Marlins relief pitcher David Robertson 19 delivers a pitch against the Detroit Tigers during the ninth inning at loanDepot Park. Miami loanDepot Park Florida USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xSamxNavarrox 20230730_jhp_na2_0171
The Red Sox definitely have a few key needs to address, like first base, some bullpen support, and another starting pitcher. However, it looks like they’re doing their homework on the rotation front. The latest buzz has them checking out Diamondbacks starters Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly. Reportedly, Boston plans to scout both righties in their upcoming outings.
But of course, they’re not the only ones. Word is the Yankees are also in the mix for both pitchers. So once again, it’s shaping up to be a bit of a Red Sox–Yankees showdown. We’ll see how it plays out this time.
The Red Sox fans might have seen enough of losing out on the top names to the rival camps. This time, it might be now or never for the Red Sox before the trade deadline.
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