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Red Sox Free Agency: 3 intriguing options to solidify the bullpen for 2022

By Jeff Abramo

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: Aaron Loup #32 of the New York Mets throws on the field before a game against the New York Yankees at Citi Field on September 11, 2021 in New York City. The Yankees defeated the Mets 8-7. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: Aaron Loup #32 of the New York Mets throws on the field before a game against the New York Yankees at Citi Field on September 11, 2021 in New York City. The Yankees defeated the Mets 8-7. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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Former Red Sox reliever Collin McHugh
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 08: Collin McHugh #31 of the Tampa Bay Rays pitches in the fourth inning against the Boston Red Sox during Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Tropicana Field on October 08, 2021 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

Red Sox Option #1: Collin McHugh

Collin McHugh in some ways feels like one of the most frustrating “what could have been” type teases in recent seasons. The Red Sox signed McHugh to an incentive-laden one-year deal in March of 2020, but he ended up opting out in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Then, straight out of the worst-case scenario playbook, he ended up signing with the Tampa Bay Rays for the 2021 season, where he was absolutely electric (6-1, 1.55 ERA, 74 K, 12 BB, ERA+ of 256) in a hybrid role on that pitching staff.

Now, he’s on the market yet again. Maybe, just maybe, this is finally the chance for McHugh to actually don a Red Sox uniform. It would likely cost more than the first time around, particularly coming off the season he has just had.

With his ties to both the Astros and Rays, he may not be the most beloved player at Fenway Park but this bullpen needs all the help it can get. On the other hand, the chance to scoop up a premium relief pitcher from a key divisional rival? May well be worth the cost.

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