Team reportedly interested in veteran starter from Chicago Cubs

The Boston Red Sox entered today’s MLB games with a 53-44 record, 6.5 games behind the Baltimore Orioles in the American League East.

As for playoff position, they are half a game out of the final wild-card spot in the American League. Boston clearly sees itself as a legitimate contender for the postseason.

It won’t be easy to ride in a division that features both the Orioles and the New York Yankees. We’re talking about the best division in baseball after the All-Star Break.

Could this lead to new front office head Craig Breslow making a significant move before the July 30 MLB trade deadline? If so, what’s the target area?

We have more information on this via Bob Nightengale of USA Today. The insider reports that Boston has joined the division rival Yankees in showing interest in Chicago Cubs veteran Jameson Taillon.

Nightengale also made it clear that the Cubs have not yet decided to sell. Despite a 47-53 record, they are just 4.5 games out of the final wild card spot in the National League.

Related: Updated Boston Red Sox News and Rumors

Boston Red Sox aim for starting pitching help ahead of MLB trade deadline

Unlike previous years, there aren’t many big names available for starting pitchers, making it essentially a seller’s market.

Taillon, 32, could be a nice mid-rotation arm. So far this season, the veteran has a 7-4 record with a 3.10 ERA and 1.16 WHIP. Those are great numbers.

As for the Red Sox rotation, it has produced mixed results this season. Tanner Houck (2.54 ERA, 1.03 WHIP) and Kutter Crawford (3.04 ERA, 1.04 WHIP) have been stellar.

There are still a lot of questions. Brayan Bello is struggling with a 5.27 ERA, while Cooper Criswell (4.50 ERA) hasn’t fared much better.