Red Sox Acquire Dustin May in Bold Trade with Dodgers to Boost Rotation

The Boston Red Sox made a major move to shore up their pitching staff, acquiring flame-throwing right-hander Dustin May from the Los Angeles Dodgers ahead of the trade deadline.

May, 27, has been one of the most intriguing arms in the league — when healthy — and will now get the fresh start he’s been hoping for as a full-time starter in Boston.

Red Sox Add Much-Needed Rotation Help

With their rotation stretched thin, the Red Sox were actively searching for pitching reinforcements, and May brings both upside and experience. He’s made 19 appearances this season (18 starts), posting a 4.85 ERA, while striking out 97 batters across 104 innings.

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Armed with a power sinker, high-90s fastball, and a nasty sweeper, May still possesses frontline potential, even if the results have been inconsistent since returning from injury.

Though he also has bullpen experience, May has made it clear he wants to start — something Boston is prepared to offer.

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Dodgers Make Room in a Crowded Rotation

The Dodgers had the luxury of depth, making May somewhat expendable. With Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Shohei Ohtani all in the fold — and Blake Snell returning this weekend — L.A. had a rotation logjam. Throw in Clayton Kershaw and Emmet Sheehan, and someone had to be the odd man out.

Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes confirmed the team had “respectful conversations” with May about his future, acknowledging that while May didn’t specifically request a trade, his strong preference to remain a starter played into the decision.

May’s Wild Comeback Journey

May has had anything but a smooth ride in recent years. After being a key part of the Dodgers’ 2020 World Series-winning roster, injuries repeatedly derailed his progress.

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From 2021 to 2024, he logged only 20 starts due to multiple setbacks. Last year, just as he was recovering from flexor tendon surgery, a freak medical emergency nearly turned fatal. While chewing lettuce, May suffered an esophageal tear and underwent life-saving surgery, ending his season prematurely.

His return to the mound in 2024 has been a story of perseverance, and now, he’ll aim to re-establish himself in Boston.

Trade Details

Red Sox Receive:

• RHP Dustin May

Dodgers Receive:

• OF James Tibbs III
• OF Zach Ehrhard

Tibbs, the 13th overall pick in last year’s draft out of Florida State, originally came to Boston in the blockbuster Rafael Devers trade with the Giants. He’s slashing .232/.359/.404 across Class A and Double-A this year, showing strong plate discipline and developing power.

Ehrhard, a fourth-rounder from the same draft, has also been playing in Double-A and adds additional outfield depth to the Dodgers’ farm system.

What It Means for Boston

May’s arrival is a sign that Boston is serious about staying in the playoff race. Their pitching staff has struggled with consistency and injuries all season, and May offers a high-upside addition to their rotation for the stretch run.

Though May is a pending free agent and out of minor league options, Boston may also view him as a potential long-term piece if things go well.

For a Red Sox team hovering around postseason contention, this move isn’t just about patching holes — it’s about taking a chance on talent that could swing their season.

Dustin May’s road back to form hasn’t been easy, but in Boston, he gets the opportunity he’s wanted — a spot in the rotation, a clean slate, and a chance to prove he’s still one of the most electric arms in the game.

If he clicks, the Red Sox may have just pulled off one of the sneakiest steals of this year’s trade deadline.