With the MLB trade deadline rapidly approaching and buyers and sellers becoming clearer, rumors are swirling about players that might be on the move.
MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand put together a list of players who have helped their trade value with their performance so far this season, and a former Red Sox arm is on the list.
Zack Littell, currently of the Tampa Bay Rays, is set to become a free agent this offseason. He’s been a steady contributor for the Rays in 2025 with a 3.68 ERA over 13 starts. The righty doesn’t miss bats, but he does miss barrels and limits free bases. His 3.4% walk rate is seventh in baseball among qualified pitchers.
It’s worth noting that Littell threw a career-high 156 1/3 innings last season and is already over halfway to that total. While he doesn’t rely on velocity to succeed, fatigue could play a factor should he pitch for a contender deep into the playoffs.
The righty does have experience out of the bullpen, but he’s not the type of electric reliever you typically see in high-leverage innings.
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Littell made two appearances for the Red Sox in 2023 before being designated for assignment during a roster crunch. The Rays quickly claimed him and helped him transform into a reliable major league pitcher.
It’s difficult to say if the Rays will be willing to part with Littell, though. Tampa Bay currently holds the first American League Wild Card spot and is four games back of the New York Yankees in the division. At the same time, the shrewd Rays rarely let pitchers hit free agency, instead opting to get something of value in return.
Littell is scheduled to start the game against the Red Sox on Wednesday night. Hopefully, the Red Sox bats can get to the soft-tossing righty and put a dent in his trade value.
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