Boston Red Sox: Four steps to create a dominant bullpen
By Tim Starr
With Chaim Bloom already confirming he will beef up the Red Sox bullpen this offseason, let’s explore a four-step process to give Boston a dominant bullpen.
The Boston Red Sox main weakness in the 2018 World Series run was its bullpen. They covered it up in the postseason by using starters out of the bullpen. Then, in the offseason, Craig Kimbrel and Joe Kelly did not return to the Red Sox. Dave Dombrowski chose not to help the depleted bullpen. Because of this neglect, the Red Sox didn’t have a chance to use starters as relievers as they didn’t make the postseason. Hopefully, Chaim Bloom will learn from Dombrowski’s 2019 failures.
Lacking a closer and quality depth, Alex Cora could use some reinforcements. There is definitely potential though – young prospects and dominant pitchers such as Darwinzon Hernandez, Josh Taylor, and Brandon Workman.
If the young bullpen stars can take the next step forward in 2020, along with additions made in the offseason, the Red Sox could have an elite bullpen. Of course, a lot would have to fall in Boston’s way to have the best bullpen, but it is not as inconceivable as you think with a few upgrades. Based on 2019 it is inconceivable, but with the right offseason transactions, it could be possible.
The Red Sox bullpen ERA in 2019 was 4.40, good for 18th in baseball. That does not replicate a World Series-winning team, although the Washington Nationals had the worst bullpen ERA in baseball (5.66) and managed to win the whole thing.
Still, a dominant bullpen can definitely help a push to the postseason as it allows teams to win close games. Notice how teams like the Yankees have such high records, a 103-win season when their Pythagorean record shows that they should’ve only won 99 games.
If the Red Sox were to alter some roles in the bullpen and sign multiple relievers, then they have a chance to have the best bullpen in MLB. Here are four steps that can lead to a dominant 2020 Red Sox bullpen.