The Boston Red Sox's bullpen struggled mightily in the back half of the 2024 campaign. The additions of Justin Wilson and Aroldis Chapman have brought some left-handedness and increased velocity into the mix, but the Sox are itching to sign more veteran arms for the 'pen.
Boston has checked in with Tanner Scott, Jeff Hoffman, Carlos Estévez, A. J. Minter, Phil Maton, Andrew Kittredge (who has since signed with the Orioles) and Tommy Kahnle, with varying degrees of interest, per multiple sources. It's widely believed that the reliever market hinges on Scott's signing price and destination, as nearly every big-market team appears to be in on him.
Chris Cotillo of MassLive mentioned in his recent bullpen candidate rundown that Kenley Jansen is available but that a reunion between the two parties is likely completely off the table due to the closer's early departure from the Red Sox's 2024 season, which disappointed many players in the clubhouse. A reunion with Chris Martin is also impossible, as he signed a one-year deal with the Rangers, denying more money from the Sox in the process.
Based on the verbiage of Cotillo's reporting, the Sox seem the most interested in Hoffman, with whom they've "stayed in touch" this offseason. However, some suitors may be pursuing him as a starter, and if he'd prefer to join a rotation, Boston may fall out of the mix for his services. The 32-year-old righty posted a 2.17 ERA, 89 strikeouts, 12.1 strikeouts per nine innings, 0.965 WHIP and earned his first All-Star nomination with the Phillies last season.
Red Sox have checked in with multiple relievers, including Jeff Hoffman, Tanner Scott and Tommy Kahnle
The Red Sox remain active in the bullpen market, and Tanner Scott is far from the only option out there. A look at Scott and a dozen other fits with notes on if Boston interest… https://t.co/soPmf7LaY0
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) January 7, 2025
The Red Sox have been named "a clear front-runner" for Scott's signature, but there is expected to be a bidding war between big market teams. Scott's 1.75 ERA and 10.5 SO9 would serve Boston's bullpen well, but bidding wars have been its downfall for years.
The Sox are on the outside looking in on Estévez and Kahnle markets, despite both being good fits. The Red Sox have tried to sign Kahnle on multiple occasions, which may give them a leg-up in his market if things progress between the two parties.
Minter posted a 2.62 ERA over just 34.1 innings in 2024. A hip surgery prematurely ended the lefty's season in August and he may not be ready to pitch by Opening Day.
The Red Sox have enough payroll flexibility to sign Hoffman, Scott or another top remaining option on the reliever market. There will be plenty of competition for their services though, as teams can never have enough bullpen depth. Boston hasn't recently fared well in free agent markets with many competitors, but hopefully, it's inspired to make any necessary acquisition after last season's second-half bullpen disaster.