The pitching needs of the Boston Red Sox aren’t new. Ever since the team finished last in the AL East, they’ve been searching for ways to solve their pitching woes. Even though the BoSox have signed Lucas Giolito, the Beantown squad needs more. As a result, they’ve now shifted focus to the Chicago White Sox’s Dylan Cease. Luckily for them, the power of friendship could prove game-changing for the Sox in these trade talks.

Giolito and Cease have played together for the White Sox. With Giolito revealing their “contact” during the offseason, could these “great friends” find a way to play together in Fenway Park?

Lucas Giolito’s Dylan Cease connection

The BoSox have been interested ever since the reports spread about the White Sox looking to trade Dylan Cease. Even though they’ve signed Lucas Giolito, in the same space, the Sox have traded Chris Sale. With a shortage to address, former Cy Young finalist Cease looks like a safe bet. Giolito’s friendship can also come in handy here, with the pitcher revealing to MassLive how he has stayed connected with his former teammate.

“Dylan and I are very good friends; obviously, we’ve been in contact over the course of the offseason,” Giolito said. But perhaps the most interesting quote was when he was asked about Cease potentially coming to the Red Sox.

“I haven’t had any conversations with (Red) Sox front office staff about, like, ‘All right, you got me. Now go get this guy. (on Cease joining him.) That obviously would be really cool,“ said the Red Sox’s latest pitching signing. Could the Red Sox jump ahead of the rest due to this friendship?

The Red Sox certainly have the necessary prospects to make this deal. With a well-functioning farm system, it can compete for Cease. But while Giolito’s comments paint a pretty picture, he has just arrived in Boston, and it’ll be surprising to see him get such an immediate pull with the front office. But strange things have happened.

Watch This Story: These Top 5 Eye-Raising MLB Contracts Will Definitely Leave You Stunned

Still, it wouldn’t be easy for the BoSox, as they have giant AL East Division rivals to compete with!

The tough journey for the Boston Red Sox

It has slowly become clear that the Red Sox ownership has no intention of splashing cash. With a strict budget to adhere to, the trade market becomes their only hope. But for Cease, the competition is stiff, with the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles far ahead of the rest. Among them, the Orioles are the ones with real strengths.

Read more: Boston Red Sox in for Jordan Montgomery? Rangers and Yankees Eyeing Reunions Amidst Prolonged Free Agency

Even though the Sox’s farm system is good, it is no match for the Orioles. The O’s wealth of prospects has kept them ahead in the Cease race. So the question arises: Will the power of friendship prove bigger than prospects this time?