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Boston Red Sox: Four things to watch for in 2019 spring training

Jacob Anes|
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 26: Ryan Brasier #70 of the Boston Red Sox delivers the pitch during the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game Three of the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 26, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 26: Ryan Brasier #70 of the Boston Red Sox delivers the pitch during the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game Three of the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 26, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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BOSTON, MA – APRIL 11: Matt Barnes #32 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after allowing two runs during the sixth inning against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park on April 11, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 11: Matt Barnes #32 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after allowing two runs during the sixth inning against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park on April 11, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

1. A lot of relievers

Throughout the 2018 season, the Red Sox bullpen struggles were well documented. The group eventually stepped it up in October as the Red Sox won the World Series. However, it seems Craig Kimbrel is leaving and Joe Kelly, who came up big in the postseason, signed with the Dodgers, leaving many bullpen spots open.

Currently, Matt Barnes and Ryan Brasier have spots locked up, with Heath Hembree also being a near lock. That leaves four spots for a large group of players. Steven Wright, if healthy, will take the fourth spot. Those competing for the remaining three spots include:

That is 14 players. Obviously, some guys have a better chance than others. The first three all gave the Red Sox quality innings when used last year. Thornburg will be given one last chance if he shows signs of returning to old form and someone like Workman with more major league experience will make the roster with a strong spring. Walden remaining on the 40-man roster throughout the offseason is also telling.

However, some of the other guys have some intriguing qualities. Both Ellington and Taylor work with fastballs in the high 90’s, Lakins has dominated the minors as a reliever and can go multiple innings. Mejia had been putting together a solid career before his numerous suspensions and could have a lot of upside. It seems that a strong Spring Training could get some of the guys on the opening day roster.

Another to keep an eye on with relievers is their health. After electing free agency, the Red Sox re-signed Carson Smith to a minor league deal. While he is expected to start the year on the IL (no longer the DL), his progress in terms of throwing is worth keeping an eye out for, even if that is not in games. Once healthy, Smith could be one of the better relievers on the team.

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