Red Sox Activate Pitchers, Add Dustin May Ahead Trade Deadline

As the 2025 MLB trade deadline approached, the Boston Red Sox focused on bolstering their pitching staff, acquiring starting pitcher Dustin May from the Los Angeles Dodgers and lefty reliever Steven Matz from the St. Louis Cardinals. Despite interest in several notable pitchers, including Nationals starter MacKenzie Gore, Diamondbacks' Merrill Kelly, and Twins' All-Star Joe Ryan, the Red Sox were unable to finalize deals for these players, reflecting an ongoing pattern of limited aggressive investment at the deadline. The team also activated relievers Zack Kelly and Nick Burdi from the injured list but optioned them to Triple-A Worcester, while Luis Guerrero was moved to the 60-day injured list due to an elbow strain. Meanwhile, Justin Slaten made progress toward returning from a shoulder injury, signaling potential bullpen reinforcement in the near future. Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow remained active in pursuit of starting pitching help, reportedly engaging with teams regarding Merrill Kelly, Zac Gallen, Mitch Keller, and former Cy Young winner Sandy Alcántara, but no further acquisitions were confirmed before the deadline. The Red Sox's efforts underscored their desire to strengthen their rotation and bullpen amid a competitive American League East playoff race, though their activity was overshadowed by rivals such as the New York Yankees.