Red Sox Acquire Dustin May: What to Know About the Pitcher

The Boston Red Sox made waves ahead of the MLB trade deadline by acquiring right-handed pitcher Dustin May from the Los Angeles Dodgers.

In a deal that sends outfield prospects James Tibbs III and Zach Ehrhard to Los Angeles, Boston adds a former top prospect to its starting rotation. May’s career has seen both triumphs and adversity—Boston’s betting on a mix of experience and upside as they chase a postseason spot.

Breaking Down the Dustin May Trade: What the Red Sox Gained

Dustin May, now 27, arrives in Boston after a roller coaster journey with the Dodgers. Once one of Los Angeles’ most promising arms, May’s time in the big leagues has been a mix of flashes and setbacks.

Known for his fiery red hair and electric stuff, May logged a 6-7 record and a 4.85 ERA over 19 games (18 starts) this season. Those numbers might not jump off the page, but there’s more to the story than just stats.

The Numbers Tell a Complicated Story

Over his MLB career, May holds an 18-16 record with a 3.71 ERA in 65 games, 52 of them starts. Injuries have slowed him down—two Tommy John surgeries and a rare esophageal tear kept him out for most of 2024.

Still, 2025 has been a comeback year for May. He’s thrown a career-high 104 innings, struck out 97, and walked 43. Healthy and throwing with confidence, May brings a shot of stability to the back of Boston’s rotation.

Where Dustin May Fits in Boston’s Rotation

Adding May gives the Red Sox a five-man rotation that looks playoff-worthy on paper. He’ll likely slot in behind Garret Crochet, Brayan Bello, Lucas Giolito, and Walker Buehler.

Boston’s pitching staff has struggled with injuries and inconsistency in recent years. May adds both depth and upside, filling an immediate need and maybe more.

Boston’s Deadline Approach: Conservative but Strategic

Rumors swirled about Boston chasing high-profile pitchers as the deadline neared. The front office didn’t swing for the fences, but the additions of May and left-hander Steven Matz show a calculated approach.

They wanted impact arms without gutting the farm system. It’s a balancing act—short-term help, long-term vision.

Understanding the Prospects: What the Dodgers Received

To get Dustin May, the Red Sox parted with minor league outfielders James Tibbs III and Zach Ehrhard. Tibbs, who came over in the Rafael Devers blockbuster, has put together a strong season in the minors with power and plate discipline.

Ehrhard brings speed and defensive versatility, though his bat is still a work in progress. The Dodgers get two lottery tickets with upside, and maybe that’s enough for them.

How the Trade Iterates on the Rafael Devers Deal

Tibbs played a key role in Boston’s earlier trade of Rafael Devers. Now, he heads to the Dodgers as part of the May deal.

Boston’s front office keeps reshaping the roster—Devers’ departure has now indirectly brought in an experienced MLB starter. It’s a little wild how these trades keep echoing through the roster.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Boston and May?

The Red Sox are banking on Dustin May’s upside as they head into the final stretch. If he’s healthy, he really could make a difference, especially in big games down the line.

For now, May’s focus will be on locking down his spot in the rotation and getting used to life in the AL East. That division doesn’t make things easy for pitchers—but maybe that’s part of the challenge he needs.

Key Takeaways from the Trade

• Health Is Key: If May can stay healthy, this trade could work out well. His injuries still worry people, but lately, he’s looked better on the mound.
• Pitching Depth Secured: Boston just got more options for their rotation. Now they’ve got a bit more flexibility for the postseason run.
• Smart Deadline Strategy: The Red Sox went for solid, mid-level moves instead of chasing big names. They managed to balance building for the future with fixing what’s needed right now.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Who is Dustin May, the starting pitcher Red Sox acquired at MLB trade deadline?