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Five free agent relievers Red Sox could pursue from World Series teams

By Sean Penney

WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 17: Sean Doolittle #63 of the Washington Nationals pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers during the ninth inning at Nationals Park on August 17, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 17: Sean Doolittle #63 of the Washington Nationals pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers during the ninth inning at Nationals Park on August 17, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 04: Will Harris #36 of the Houston Astros delivers a pitch in the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays in game one of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on October 04, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 04: Will Harris #36 of the Houston Astros delivers a pitch in the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays in game one of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on October 04, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

Will Harris

Will Harris is coming off an excellent season in which he posted a 1.50 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and 9.3 K/9 in 60 innings out of the Astros bullpen.

Those sparkling numbers will make Harris a popular target in free agency but the 35-year old’s age and lack of the “proven closer” tag should keep the price tag in Boston’s range. Harris did save 12 games during his All-Star campaign in 2016 but he doesn’t have enough of a track record in the role to command a closer’s salary.

He’s not an elite strikeout pitcher but Harris has struck out over a batter per inning throughout his career and he posted elite figures in several other categories. His 2.1 BB/9 and 0.9 HR/9 both ranked in the top-20 among American Leauge relievers.

The right-hander has been effective against batters from either side of the plate, holding right-handed hitters to a .183/.269/.333 slash line and lefties to .207/.226/.264. That versatility has value to a Red Sox team that prefers not to use a roster spot on a specialist.

Harris has been one of Houston’s most reliable relievers this postseason, tossing 5 2/3 innings through the first two rounds against the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees.

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