Red Sox: Three prior mistakes Alex Cora must adjust before Opening Day

Red Sox Mistake #2: Closer by Committee

Another thing that made no sense from 2019 was his lack of a desire to name an everyday closer. It got to the point where he was almost adamant that he wouldn’t name one, which is a big-time head-scratcher.

The team had lost out on Craig Kimbrell who decided to sit out a chunk of the year until he received a deal he liked and had not signed a replacement. There were arms in the bullpen that could’ve competed for the job but instead, Cora chose a closer by committee, something Red Sox Nation is all too familiar with.

AC has already said there would be a set closer for the 2021 season but hasn’t quite narrowed down the names just yet. Familiar faces will be in contention as Matt Barnes and Ryan Brasier will likely duke it out alongside newcomers Hirokazu Sawamura and Adam Ottavino. It’s a step in the right direction that he’s saying there will be a set guy to come in to close out games, as it’s been a major issue for the Red Sox the last two seasons.

I’m not the biggest fan of having such a wide net cast for who may earn the job but I also understand that this bullpen has seen some shakeups the last few years. With that said, having a smaller list of a few names he specifically wants vying for the job would build far more confidence in fans than just saying there will be a competition for the spot.

It’s great that he wants guys to compete but I want to see the top three going for it, not everyone in the bullpen. This doesn’t need to be a squad-wide competition, get your bullpen aces in there and let them fight it out.