Since the Boston Red Sox turned into likely trade deadline buyers, starting pitching has been one of Craig Breslow's highest priorities.
But recent issues in the bullpen may force Boston's chief baseball officer to switch gears. The Red Sox have two of their most reliable relievers — Chris Martin and Justin Slaten — battling elbow inflammation, and most of the others have struggled, plain and simple.
Greg Weissert has a 7.88 ERA in his last seven outings. Brennan Bernardino also hasn't fared well in his last seven appearances, with a 13.50 ERA of his own. Bailey Horn and Chase Anderson have had rough seasons altogether with a 6.97 ERA and a 4.59, respectively.
Luckily for the Sox, Kenley Jansen has performed well and Liam Hendriks is working toward a return to action. Even with them, the bullpen will need reinforcements. Boston's pitching staff is low on lefties — Booser, Bernardino and Horn, who's a likely demotion candidate, are the only southpaws the Red Sox have. Here are three lefty relievers Boston could target before the July 30 trade deadline to give its bullpen the help it needs to make a playoff push.
3 lefty relievers the Red Sox could target before the trade deadline
Tanner Scott
Tanner Scott is one of the most popular reliever options before this year's deadline. MLB Trade Rumors reports that the Dodgers, Yankees, Phillies and Orioles have all shown interest in the closer, among multiple other clubs. He'll be a free agent after the 2024 season ends, which makes him a great rental candidate for any club looking for a late-inning boost.
Scott earned his first All-Star nod this season after his standout performance in the first half. He's logged a 1.21 ERA over 44.2 innings and converted 18 saves on 20 opportunities. He's fanned 51 batters and walked 26, but 13 of those free passes came in March and April.
Scott is a closer and the Red Sox already have two on their roster. He's still one of the best relievers available, and if Boston has the chance, it should make an offer before one of its division rivals does.
Andrew Chafin
Andrew Chafin is an 11-year MLB veteran and career 3.39 ERA pitcher who's been trending in the right direction for the Tigers. The southpaw signed a one-year contract with Detroit before the 2024 season that carries a club option for 2025 — if he continues his hot streak through the end of the year, he could be a good candidate to keep around for next season's pen. If not, the Sox can let him walk as a rental.
Chafin has logged a 3.25 ERA over 36 innings with the Tigers. He's struck out 47 batters, good for a 90th percentile strikeout rate, and walked 15. Chafin's chase and whiff rates are also among the tops in the league, both at the 95th percentile.
The 34-year-old has been lights-out in recent appearances. He's logged a 0.64 ERA in his last 15 outings across 14 innings, and he's fanned 22 batters in that spell.
Scott Alexander
Scott Alexander is another veteran arm who could serve the Sox's bullpen well. He has 10 seasons of MLB experience, but he pitched less than 20 frames in six of those years. The lefty signed a one-year deal with the A's before the 2024 slate and is a textbook rental candidate for a squad needing balance in the bullpen.
Alexander has clocked a 3.00 ERA through 21 frames with 10 strikeouts and six walks. He's trending in the right direction to be dished at the deadline, as he's pitched to a 2.25 ERA in his last 15 outings.
Alexander's stats don't jump off the page, but he could be a solid last-resort candidate if the Sox miss out on Chafin, Scott or another lefty choice.