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Red Sox: 5 trade targets that could bolster Boston’s bullpen

By Jacob DeReus

BOSTON, MA - AUGUST 1: Chris Sale #41 of the Boston Red Sox warms up in the bullpen before the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Indians at Fenway Park on August 1, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - AUGUST 1: Chris Sale #41 of the Boston Red Sox warms up in the bullpen before the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Indians at Fenway Park on August 1, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Oakland LHP AJ Puk
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 16: A.J. Puk #33 of the Oakland Athletics delivers a pitch during the seventh inning against the Oakland Athletics at Fenway Park on June 16, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Paul Rutherford/Getty Images) /

Red Sox Target #1: A.J. Puk

Now when you hear about a trade possibly involving an Oakland pitcher it is most likely going to be Frankie Montas. While I love Montas and would love him to be in the Boston rotation, my target here is left-handed relief pitcher, A.J. Puk.

Puk is dealing right now with the A’s.  He has appeared in 23 games, pitching 27 and 1/3 innings. He has been able to post an ERA of 1.65 on the season with 25 strikeouts.

Last week when Puk appeared in two games against the Red Sox, he pitched an inning each game recording two strikeouts. He did give up a run, but it was a home run to one of the best third basemen in the game, Rafael Devers.

Puk appeared again against the Red Sox these last two games where he tossed a pair of innings while not letting a single Boston batter cross home plate.

He has only given up five runs this year in 25 1/3 innings. I love that he can bring a solid arm and help out this bullpen. He does not seem to get rattled and if he gives up a run, he is quick to bounce back and does not seem to get into slumps.

Puk has four pitches he can throw, a four-seam, a slider, a sinker, and a changeup. While he does have those pitches, according to statcast, he mostly throws his four-seam and slider. Mixing in the other two could allow him to become even more dangerous and that’s something this Sox pen could use.

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