Red Sox have reportedly reached out to Dodgers about starting pitcher

The Boston Red Sox are just one game out of a playoff spot after their first 100 games of the 2024 campaign, but they could use some help down the stretch.

The MLB trade deadline is roughly a week away, meaning Boston's last chance to make a real impact move will be gone soon.

According to the Boston Globe's Alex Speier , the Red Sox have been actively engaged in discussions with the Los Angeles Dodgers about starting pitcher James Paxton after he was designated for assignment.

The 35-year-old lefty spent the last two seasons with Boston, including the entire 2022 year that he spent rehabbing. He posted 4.50 ERA and a 1.313 WHIP in his 19 starts for the Red Sox, and this year has been roughly the same, recording a 4.43 ERA and a 1.455 WHIP in 18 starts.

If Paxton clears waivers, Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow will have an opportunity to trade for the veteran, who is a free agent at the end of the year.

Having a consistent, competent pitcher making a start every fifth day could certainly help this team make a push for the postseason.