Overhauling the Bullpen: A Top Priority for the Boston Red Sox This Offseason
As the Boston Red Sox gear up for the 2024 offseason, one glaring issue looms large: the bullpen. After finishing the season ranked 24th in ERA (4.39) and 25th in WHIP (1.34), while surrendering the sixth-most home runs (80), it’s clear that significant changes are necessary. With key veterans like Kenley Jansen and Chris Martin set to hit free agency, along with trade deadline acquisitions Lucas Sims and Luis Garcia, Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow faces a daunting task. Transforming the club’s most significant weakness into a strength will be paramount if the Red Sox hope to compete in the coming seasons.
The Current State of the Bullpen
The statistics tell a sobering story. The Red Sox bullpen struggled throughout the 2024 campaign, often failing to secure leads and allowing critical runs in high-pressure situations. The combination of a high ERA and WHIP indicates that not only were they giving up runs, but they were also allowing too many base runners. The alarming number of home runs allowed further underscores the need for a complete overhaul. Breslow must prioritize finding reliable arms that can consistently perform under pressure and keep the ball in the yard.
The Free-Agent Market: A Silver Lining
Fortunately for Breslow, the upcoming free-agent market is rich with intriguing bullpen options. Here’s a look at the top five relief pitchers who could help solidify the Red Sox bullpen, along with some honorable mentions.
1. Tanner Scott, LHP
Age: 30
2024 Stats: 22 saves, 1.75 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 84 SO, 36 BB, 72 IP (72 games)
Tanner Scott emerged as one of the most coveted relievers at the trade deadline and is poised to be the top left-handed option available in free agency. Selected to his first All-Star Game in 2024, Scott showcased dominant numbers while pitching for both the Miami Marlins and the San Diego Padres. His impressive whiff rate of 32.7% places him in the 92nd percentile, and when hitters did make contact, they struggled, as evidenced by his 100th percentile ranking in average exit velocity (84.3 mph). Scott could be the anchor the Red Sox need in their bullpen, making him a prime target for Breslow.
2. Clay Holmes, RHP
Age: 32
2024 Stats: 30 saves, 3.14 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 68 SO, 22 BB, 63 IP (67 games)
Since joining the New York Yankees in 2021, Clay Holmes has established himself as one of the league’s premier relievers. Despite a down year in 2021, his proven track record should attract multiple suitors in free agency. Holmes has consistently performed at a high level, and if the Yankees don’t prioritize re-signing him, the Red Sox should certainly consider adding him to their bullpen mix.
3. Jeff Hoffman, RHP
Age: 32
2024 Stats: 10 saves, 2.17 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 89 SO, 16 BB, 66.1 IP (68 games)
While Jeff Hoffman may not be a household name, he has been a standout performer in the Philadelphia Phillies’ bullpen over the past two seasons. Earning an All-Star nod in 2024, Hoffman has formed a formidable partnership with closer Jose Alvarado. His impressive stats, including a 2.17 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP, make him an appealing option for teams looking to bolster their relief corps. The Red Sox would do well to consider Hoffman as a potential late-inning option.
4. Carlos Estevez, RHP
Age: 32
2024 Stats: 26 saves, 2.45 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 50 SO, 12 BB, 55 IP (54 games)
Carlos Estevez had a breakout season after being traded from the Los Angeles Angels to the Philadelphia Phillies. With a stellar 2.45 ERA and a remarkable 0.91 WHIP, Estevez has proven he can perform at a high level. While he may come with some risk, given that 2024 is his only standout season, he could provide the Red Sox with a cost-effective option to enhance their bullpen.
5. Kenley Jansen, RHP
Age: 37
2024 Stats: 27 saves, 3.29 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 62 SO, 20 BB, 54.2 IP (54 games)
Kenley Jansen, a four-time All-Star and one of the all-time great closers, is likely to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he spent the first 12 seasons of his career. While a return to Boston seems improbable, Jansen still has something left in the tank. If the Red Sox are looking for a veteran presence, he could be an option, although they may want to explore younger alternatives.
Honorable Mentions
In addition to the top five, several other relief pitchers could be valuable additions to the Red Sox bullpen. These include Blake Treinen, David Robertson, Aroldis Chapman, Chris Martin, Shawn Armstrong, Aaron Bummer, Dylan Floro, Kirby Yates, Jose Leclerc, Paul Sewald, Craig Kimbrel, and Emilio Pagan. Each of these players brings unique skills and experiences that could help bolster Boston’s relief efforts.
Looking Ahead
As the offseason approaches, the Boston Red Sox must prioritize revamping their bullpen. With a wealth of talent available in free agency, Breslow has the opportunity to transform one of the team’s most significant weaknesses into a formidable strength. The right additions could set the stage for a more competitive 2025 season, allowing the Red Sox to reclaim their place among the league’s elite teams.