Despite all their preseason expectations, the 2025 season has not gone to plan for the Boston Red Sox. The club can't break free of its .500 pattern, and is coming off a painful sweep against the Detroit Tigers, both indicative of Boston’s inconsistent bullpen.
While this has been a painful revelation for the Red Sox, it is made worse by Garrett Whitlock’s sudden decline as a high-leverage reliever, a role in short supply for Boston. Of course, the season is still in its infancy, and if the Red Sox want to address their bullpen woes, David Robertson could be the man for the job.
Despite a very productive 2024 season with the Texas Rangers, Robertson has remained unsigned, which could bode well for the Red Sox. Robertson, a 16-year MLB veteran, pitched to a 3.00 ERA, a 2.65 FIP, and a 131 ERA+ in 76 innings of work last season. While currently 40 years old, Robertson would be a solid replacement for Whitlock, who has lost his ability as a high-leverage reliever.
In spite of his prior success, Whitlock has hit a complete brick wall this season. In 22.1 innings of work, Whitlock has pitched to a 4.43 ERA and an ERA+ of 94. In addition to these struggles, Whitlock also leads the league in blown saves with four, a trend that checks out with the whole team, as the Red Sox lead the league with 11 blown saves.
Red Sox could sign veteran free agent David Robertson to strengthen struggling bullpen
Even with his poor performances, Whitlock has not been alone in his struggles. Justin Slaten, who blossomed as a dependable late-inning reliever in 2024, has also seen a considerable decline in play in 2025, currently owning a 4.76 ERA and an ERA+ of 89 in 17 innings.
Robertson would be a great, much-needed signing for the Red Sox. In addition to being a premier late-game option out of the bullpen, he's also an MLB veteran with several successful years under his belt, experience that would help the bullpen preserve leads.
Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow and Boston’s front office should be all over Robertson. And considering his 2024 campaign, it won’t come as a surprise when a team eventually picks him up, a team which should be the Red Sox. Even with the season still being young, the bullpen has been long identified as an area of top concern for the Red Sox, and an addition like Robertson would alleviate much of the bullpen’s woes.