The Red Sox acquire ace Dustin May and immediately face the Padres on Aug. 8, 2025. Can the new arm lead Boston in this critical Wild Card showdown?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It’s a dog-days-of-August Friday, but it feels like October in Boston. The Red Sox front office just sent a shockwave through the league by acquiring flamethrower Dustin May, signaling they are all-in on a deep playoff run. The ink is barely dry on the trade, and tonight, the team faces a mirror image of themselves in the San Diego Padres, in a crucial series with massive Wild Card implications.
Adding a pitcher of Dustin's caliber gives us a real boost down the stretch.
Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow made his definitive move, landing right-handed pitcher Dustin May from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Known for his electric fastball and devastating breaking stuff, May immediately slots in as a top-of-the-rotation arm for the stretch run. The cost was significant, with outfield prospects James Paxton and Miguel Bleis heading to LA. While it's always tough to part with promising young talent—a reminder of the farm system's 'middle of the pack' status—this is the kind of bold transaction championship contenders make. May's presence provides an instant and formidable upgrade as the Sox chase a postseason berth.
The on-field drama couldn't be scripted any better. Tonight, the Red Sox (64-52) kick off a series at Petco Park against the San Diego Padres (64-51). With nearly identical records, both clubs are fighting tooth and nail in their respective Wild Card races. This series is a true litmus test. The team seems to feel the energy, with the official social media accounts dropping a hype video for the series and Rafael Devers sharing an inside look at his focused pre-game routine. Every pitch will matter in what promises to be a playoff-atmosphere weekend.
While May is the big addition, more help is brewing in the minors. Left-hander Connelly Early, a 2023 draft pick, has been untouchable since his promotion to Triple-A Worcester, posting a 0.00 ERA through his first two starts. He's now a prime candidate for a September call-up. In Double-A, righty David Sandlin continues to impress, giving the organization another valuable arm to watch. Even injured prospect Juan Valera is making progress on his mound progression in Fort Myers. The farm is working to ensure the big league club has the depth it needs for the final push.
The message from the front office is clear: It's time to win. The acquisition of Dustin May has raised the ceiling for this 2025 Red Sox team, but now the work begins on the field. Tonight's game against the Padres isn't just another date on the calendar; it's the start of a new chapter and the first major test of their championship mettle. Buckle up, Sox fans—the stretch run just got real.
