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Red Sox: Five potential closer options to target in free agency

By Sean Penney

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 07: Liam Hendriks #16 of the Oakland Athletics reacts to striking out Josh Reddick #22 of the Houston Astros to end the eighth inning in Game Three of the American League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on October 07, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 07: Liam Hendriks #16 of the Oakland Athletics reacts to striking out Josh Reddick #22 of the Houston Astros to end the eighth inning in Game Three of the American League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on October 07, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – SEPTEMBER 9: Liam Hendriks #16 of the Oakland Athletics (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – SEPTEMBER 9: Liam Hendriks #16 of the Oakland Athletics (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images) /

Red Sox free agent target – Liam Hendriks

Liam Hendriks has been outstanding since taking over the closer role for the A’s last year. His breakout 2019 campaign saw him post career-best marks with a 1.80 ERA, 0.965 WHIP, 13.1 K/9 and 25 saves.

He followed that with an equally impressive season this year, posting a 1.78 ERA, 0.671 WHIP and 13.1 K/9 while converting 14 of 15 save opportunities. He was fifth among qualified major league relievers with a 1.07 BB/9 and 19.2 swinging strike percentage. Hendriks tied for the highest value among relievers with 1.4 fWAR.

Hendriks won’t be cheap but his asking price will likely pave his exit out of Oakland considering their history of letting talent walk rather than pay what they are worth.

The Red Sox should have some money to spend and the pitching staff is where most of their available budget should be allocated. If they don’t end up chasing an elite starting pitcher like Trevor Bauer, settling for a middle of the rotation upgrade while splurging on a bullpen piece or two could be the way to go.

Next. Only scenario where signing Bauer makes sense. dark

If Boston plans to spend on a proven option to close out the ninth inning, Hendriks will be the best available option in free agency.

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