Sean Doolittle
Many beat writers have talked about the possibility of the Red Sox pursuing Washington’s relief pitcher, Sean Doolittle. The lefty has had a solid career in the majors as a bullpen guy and could be a perfect fit for the Sox. Although he has had blips during the year, he’s still been effective and better than most of the options that Boston currently have.
In the final year of his contract with Washington, the Nats could be eager to try to get something for the veteran. Competing with the likes of Philly and Atlanta, the Nationals have an outside chance of making the playoffs, but it isn’t exactly likely.
There’s a real opening for Boston to go and get their guy here. It probably wouldn’t command too much to get a deal done in the coming weeks. And an expiring contract would give the payroll that Dombrowski has mentioned no pressure. The Sox could simply let him walk in the offseason, but he would be essential for the rest of this year.
It’s more obvious than ever that the Sox need to go and get more arms to bolster this pen – it’s been the difference in the race for the AL East title and has held this defending World Series champions back throughout the season. Whether or not the Sox go for either of these isn’t known, however, they’re all viable names that could help this side push on their championship defense.