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Red Sox: Boston’s five biggest surprises from the 2021 season

By Brendan Mizgala

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 11: Enrique Hernandez #5 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates with teammates after they defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 6 to 5 during Game 4 of the American League Division Series at Fenway Park on October 11, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 11: Enrique Hernandez #5 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates with teammates after they defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 6 to 5 during Game 4 of the American League Division Series at Fenway Park on October 11, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images) /
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Red Sox Garrett Whitlock
BOSTON, MA – AUGUST 23: Pitcher Garrett Whitlock #72 of the Boston Red Sox shouts out after ending the 11th inning against the Texas Rangers at Fenway Park on August 23, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) /

Garrett Whitlock anchors the Red Sox pen

This was a surprise that I think only Chaim Bloom and Alex Cora saw coming. A rule-5 Draft steal from our beloved friends the Yankees would become our biggest weapon in 2021. Seriously, who thought a prospect that had already undergone Tommy John would become one of the best relievers in baseball in his rookie season?

Garrett Whitlock was an absolute stud for the Red Sox in 2021 and while he didn’t pitch as often as fans would’ve liked, I fully believe that that aided his effectiveness. Cora treated Whitlock as if he was a starter and only called upon him after a certain amount of rest between each appearance.

This was a two-pronged plan as they didn’t want to re-injure his recently repaired elbow and they also didn’t want the opposition to figure him out. We all know what happens when you overwork a pitcher coming back from TJS, as well as when the other team sees them every night. Cora and Bloom played their cards perfectly and despite a hiccup here and there, Garrett was the ace of the bullpen

The righty finished his rookie campaign with a 1.96 ERA in 73.1 innings of work with a 2.84 FIP, 1.105 WHIP, and a 4.76 K/BB. I don’t think anyone could’ve asked for more from the 25-year-old and I can’t wait to see what he can do in 2022.

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