The Boston Red Sox are still in need of relief pitching help,and their options took a hit Sunday when Tanner Scott,one of the top bullpen arms on the market,reportedly agreed to a four-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Scott, a 2024 All-Star, was rumored to be a target for the Red Sox and could have been a game-changer for their bullpen, potentially even stepping into the closer role.
With Scott off the board, the question now is: where do the Red Sox turn next? MassLive’s Chris Cotillo made a prediction shortly after the news broke, suggesting that Boston could target one of several veteran relievers.“I’m gonna make a prediction that the Sox land either (Carlo) Estévez, (Kirby) Yates, (David) Robertson, (Tommy) Kahnle or (Kyle) Finnegan,” Cotillo posted on X.
While it’s unclear which of these pitchers the Red Sox front office prefers, Cotillo suggested that a short-term deal with a high average annual value for Estévez, Yates, robertson, or Kahnle “would make a lot of sense in an effort to add a veteran righty to a pretty strong group.”
In addition to free agency, the Red Sox could explore the trade market to bolster their bullpen. if they’re already in discussions with the St. Louis Cardinals about Nolan Arenado, they might also inquire about another stud in St. louis, potentially adding an elite closer in the process.here’s a rapid breakdown of the Red Sox’s potential bullpen targets:
| Pitcher | Key Details |
|——————-|———————————————————————————|
| Carlo Estévez | Veteran righty, short-term deal with high AAV could be a fit. |
| Kirby Yates | Experienced reliever, could add depth to the bullpen. |
| David Robertson | Proven closer, brings postseason experience. |
| Tommy Kahnle | Reliable right-hander, could stabilize the late innings. |
| Kyle Finnegan | Solid middle reliever, adds depth to the bullpen. |
As the red Sox continue their search for bullpen reinforcements, fans will be watching closely to see how Craig Breslow and the front office navigate the remaining options.Will they land a veteran arm in free agency, or will they swing a trade to address their needs? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Red Sox are determined to strengthen their pitching staff for the upcoming season.
6-8 questions. Each question should be formulated to encourage detailed responses.
Red Sox Bullpen Strategy: Expert Analysis on Potential Reliever Targets
After missing out on top free-agent reliever Tanner Scott, who signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Boston Red Sox are now exploring other options to strengthen their bullpen.With a mix of veteran arms and potential trade targets on the table, the team’s front office has its work cut out. To break down the situation, we sat down with baseball analyst and former MLB scout Jason Harper to discuss the Red Sox’s relief pitching strategy, potential targets, and what fans can expect moving forward.
Senior Editor (SE): Jason, thanks for joining us. Let’s dive right in.With Tanner Scott off the board, who do you see as the most likely veteran reliever the red Sox could target in free agency?
Jason Harper (JH): thanks for having me. It’s a great question.I think Carlo Estévez and David Robertson stand out as top candidates. Estévez has been consistent over the years and could be a solid short-term addition,while Robertson brings playoff experience and has proven he can handle high-leverage situations.Both would make sense for a team looking to add stability to the bullpen.
SE: That’s engaging. What about Kirby Yates and Tommy Kahnle? Are they realistic options for Boston?
JH: absolutely. Yates has had some injury issues in the past, but when he’s healthy, he’s one of the best relievers in the game. Kahnle, conversely, is a reliable right-hander with a strong track record in the late innings.If the Red Sox are looking for depth and experience, either of these pitchers could fit the bill.
SE: Moving beyond free agency, do you think the Red Sox might consider the trade market to address their bullpen needs?
JH: definitely. They’ve already been linked to St. Louis in the Nolan Arenado talks, and if they’re engaging with the Cardinals, they could explore a deal for a closer like Ryan Helsley. Trading for a proven arm like Helsley would be a notable move and could give them an elite option at the back end of the bullpen.
SE: Speaking of high-impact moves, how important is it for the Red Sox to add a closer versus just reinforcing the middle of the bullpen?
JH: It’s crucial. The Red Sox haven’t had a true, reliable closer in a few years, and that’s been a glaring weakness. Adding someone who can consistently lock down the ninth inning would not only stabilize the bullpen but also take pressure off the rest of the staff. Whether it’s through free agency or trade, securing a closer should be a top priority.
SE: Given the options available, what do you think it’ll take for the Red Sox to land one of these relievers? Are we talking big contracts, prospect capital, or both?
JH: It’s a mix. In free agency, they’ll likely need to offer short-term deals with higher annual salaries to attract veterans like Estévez or Robertson.If they go the trade route, they’ll have to part with some prospects, especially for a top-tier guy like Helsley. It’s all about balancing immediate needs with long-term sustainability.
SE: what’s your take on the Red Sox’s overall strategy? Are they doing enough to compete in a tough AL East?
JH: They’re making moves, but the AL East is a beast. The Yankees and Orioles have both been aggressive this offseason, and the Blue Jays and Rays are always competitive. If the Red Sox want to keep pace, they’ll need to be bold. Adding a couple of impactful relievers would be a strong start, but they’ll also need the rest of the roster to step up.
SE: Great insights, Jason. Thanks for breaking it all down for us. Red Sox fans will surely be keeping a close eye on how this all plays out.
JH: My pleasure. It’s going to be an interesting offseason, for sure. Thanks for having me!
