Red Sox: 3 relievers Boston should re-sign when the lockout ends

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 07: Relief pitcher Adam Ottavino #0 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after beating the Miami Marlins at Fenway Park on June 07, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 07: Relief pitcher Adam Ottavino #0 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after beating the Miami Marlins at Fenway Park on June 07, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
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BOSTON, MA – MAY 15: Christian Vazquez #7 of the Boston Red Sox makes his way to the bullpen prior to the start of the game against the Colorado Rockies at Fenway Park on May 15, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – MAY 15: Christian Vazquez #7 of the Boston Red Sox makes his way to the bullpen prior to the start of the game against the Colorado Rockies at Fenway Park on May 15, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)

Familiar faces could solidify the Red Sox bullpen

As the players and owners continue to meet in Jupiter, Florida it feels like we can start to feel a little bit optimistic for the 2022 season. Once the lockout does end I think we can all expect a wild signing frenzy as teams try to build their squads before spring training begins. The biggest thing the Red Sox should focus on is the bullpen and luckily for them, there are plenty of familiar faces still available on the board.

Boston’s bullpen was one of the absolute worst in 2020, but then again, there wasn’t much that was good about that year. They were able to turn things around in 2021 and once again they finished the season with a top-10 relief squad. While I’m thrilled the moves Chaim Bloom made to the relievers seemingly paid off, I mean until the ALCS, but there’s still work to do.

There are plenty of names that are waiting to be signed when business opens back up ahead of spring training but I love the idea of bringing back guys who have been with the club before. Obviously, if the arm can’t get the job done I don’t want them back but I feel that the three pitchers I chose not only can rise to the occasion when called upon but can also help the Red Sox take the next step in 2022.

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