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Three steps the Red Sox must take to return to the World Series

By Brendan Mizgala

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 28: Christian Vazquez #7 jumps into the arms of Chris Sale #41 of the Boston Red Sox to celebrate their 5-1 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game Five to win the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 28: Christian Vazquez #7 jumps into the arms of Chris Sale #41 of the Boston Red Sox to celebrate their 5-1 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game Five to win the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – AUGUST 14: Brandon Workman #44 of the Boston Red Sox pitches against the Cleveland Indians the ninth inning at Progressive Field on August 14, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Red Sox defeated the Indians 5-1. (Photo by David Maxwell/Getty Images) /

2: Beef up the bullpen

Boston’s bullpen was a sight to be seen in 2019. Going into Opening Day we thought that Matt Barnes and Ryan Brasier were going to be to answers to the departed Craig Kimbrel and Joe Kelly. That plan didn’t quite work out as we had hoped and neither settled into the closer role.

Cora would try out damn near everyone on the roster as a closer through this season with little to no success. Finally, Brandon Workman stepped up to the plate and gave the Red Sox the confidence the needed to finish games.

He would tally up 16 saves during his time as the closer and showed a great ability to stay calm in hectic situations. He still has trouble with walks, 5.7/9, but he still got the job done when called upon. I imagine he’ll be the guy for the ninth going into 2020 until someone takes it from him.

This winter will be beyond important for the Red Sox and their hopes at contending in 2020. They will need to sign some relievers or make some blockbuster deals to secure them. One thing is for sure though and that’s that Boston can’t afford to go into 2020 without adding more firepower to the relief corps.

Both the Astros and Nationals have soon to be free-agents this winter, so the World Series may be a great way for Boston to scout future relievers. The front office will surely be keeping a close watch on both squads as they battle for the Commissioner’s Trophy.

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