The Boston Red Sox's pitching staff will need significant bolstering before the 2025 season begins.
Not only is the team hunting for a frontline starter, but the likely departures of impending free agents Kenley Jansen, Chris Martin, Luis García and Lucas Sims mean they'll need reinforcements in the bullpen, too.
Luckily for Boston, it may be able to look inward for some of the help it needs. Michael Fulmer and Chris Murphy, who missed the entire 2024 season while recovering from injury, could be ready by the start of training camp this winter.
Fulmer underwent the second ulnar collateral ligament surgery of his career in Oct. 2023. He signed a two-year minor-league deal with the Sox on Feb. 8, 2023, so they could have him as a depth option after his recovery is completed, much like closer Liam Hendriks, who will also be available in 2025.
Michael Fulmer and Chris Murphy could return to Red Sox around spring training to bolster bullpen
Seems like a good day for a Michael Fulmer update: He is throwing off a mound and trending well for spring training pic.twitter.com/5oTErTZS5i
— Rob Bradford (@bradfo) October 16, 2024
Rob Bradford of WEEI and the "Baseball Isn't Boring" podcast reported on Oct. 16 that Fulmer has begun throwing off a mound and is trending toward a spring training return. He posted a 4.42 ERA over 57 innings out of the Cubs' bullpen in 2023 and a 3.94 ERA in 674 innings over his seven-year big-league career.
Murphy also spent the 2204 season recovering from an elbow surgery — Tommy John, to be exact. Chris Cotillo of MassLive reported that Murphy has begun throwing with no issues.
The lefty's big league career began with the Red Sox in 2023, when he pitched to a 4.91 ERA over 47.2 innings. His season began with the WooSox as a starter, but he was later transitioned to a reliever role when he was called up to Boston.
The Red Sox could use experienced, quality relief options next season after the complete bullpen implosion of 2024, but Fulmer and Murphy could be solid depth choices. Boston's group of late-inning arms is low on lefties, and Murphy will bring a bit of diversity to the mix. Fulmer and Murphy aren't the answer to the Sox's late-inning woes, but they could help stabilize the staff — hopefully alongside some top-tier free agent talent or trades.