Red Sox Target #5: Brusdar Graterol
This last pitcher is not one that is currently dominating. He is actually struggling a little bit, maybe a lot, but it still does not change how much potential he can bring to a bullpen.
Brusdar Graterol is now pitching for the Dodgers. Los Angeles acquired him in the trade in the Mookie Betts trade from the Minnesota Twins. He should have been dealt to Boston, he was in the first trade, but for some reason, he was sent to the Dodgers instead.
Now is the time to right the ship and bring Graterol to Boston. Looking at Graterol’s stats, it looks that he only seems to struggle against teams in the NL East. In a game against the Phillies he gave up three runs, two earned, and in two games against the Mets he gave up three runs, three earned in both games.
If you were to take out those three games he only has given up four runs on the season. Removing those three games would bring his ERA from the 4.28 down to 1.65. The good news is that if the Red Sox were to trade for Graterol, he would not have to face the Mets or Phillies until the postseason.
I do not see Graterol becoming the closer, but he could be a key piece of the bullpen and help lock games up in the 7th or 8th innings. Graterol will probably be the most expensive arm to get but would be the most worth it in my opinion.
If I had to pick two of these five guys, I would take Puk and Graterol. It will be fun to see what Chaim will do for this Red Sox bullpen since they are on the path to being a team that will be buyers at the trade deadline. Until then trust in Chaim and trust in AC!