Usually a minor occurrence on the on the baseball calendar, the Rule 5 Draft protection deadline saw the Boston Red Sox make six total moves. Boston had multiple players eligible who were likely to be picked by other teams, but analysts with knowledge of the farm thought one or two at most would be protected. The Sox ended up protecting three prospects: pitchers David Sandlin, Shane Drohan, and Tyler Uberstine.
To make room to protect the three, the Sox designated Nathaniel Lowe and Josh Winkowski for assignment. Both were projected to be non-tendered anyway in a few days, so this came as no surprise. They then made four trades. They sent Luis Guerrero to the Rays, Brennan Bernardino to the Rockies, Chris Murphy to the White Sox, and Alex Hoppe to the Mariners.
Four relievers who saw major league time in 2025 are no longer a part of the organization, and Hoppe was a pitcher who some thought might reach the majors next season. The bullpen was already an area the team was going to look to improve this offseason, but now, they need to address it.
Red Sox could target these 4 free agent relievers after recent roster purge
Seranthony Dominguez
Seranthony Dominguez is a righty headed into his age-31 season. He started last year with the Orioles before being traded to the Blue Jays at the deadline. He finished the season was a 3.12 ERA across 62.2 innings, and he had an 11.3 K/9. Boston needs another high-leverage reliever, and Dominguez would be perfect. He has closing experience and could rotate with Garrett Whitlock when Aroldis Chapman isn’t used in the ninth. Dominguez also owns a career 1.86 ERA in 29 postseason appearances.
Danny Coulombe
With Murphy and Bernardino traded, and Steven Matz and Justin Wilson free agents, the Sox will be looking to add multiple lefties this offseason. Raising the ceiling to have a high leverage option besides Chapman should be the goal, and Danny Coulombe could be that guy.
The 36-year-old was one of the best relievers in baseball in the first half. He had a 1.16 ERA in 31 innings before being traded to Texas at the deadline. He struggled for the Rangers, but his first half, plus his 2.38 ERA over the last four seasons, should prove his dominance.
Taylor Rogers
Sticking with the southpaws, Taylor Rogers is another veteran reliever who could make an impact in the Sox bullpen. He had a 2.45 ERA in the first half, pitching in the hitter-friendly Great American Ballpark.
Like Coulombe, he struggled down the stretch after being traded at the deadline (twice in Rogers' case), but he has a track record as a very solid reliever, and he has closer experience. Maybe Andrew Bailey can unlock that former All-Star form like he did with Wilson.
Ryan Helsley
It was only a year ago that Ryan Helsley was leading all of MLB in saves for the Cardinals. He even racked up 21 before being traded to the Mets in one of the biggest moves of the deadline. It turned out to be one of the worst as the righty had a 7.20 ERA in 22 innings in Queens. Despite the abysmal second half, Helsley will still be looked at as one of the top relievers on the market. While he wouldn't be the closer in Boston, the Sox could entice him with one of the best pitching coaches in baseball and the chance to rebuild his value.