The Boston Red Sox have added some bullpen depth by signing 29-year-old right-hander Devin Sweet to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training. It’s a low-risk move-one that won’t make headlines, but could pay dividends if things break right.
Sweet heads to Triple-A Worcester after spending last season in the Phillies’ system with Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He became a free agent in October and officially joined the Red Sox in December. While his 2023 numbers don’t jump off the page-he posted a 5.08 ERA across 46 appearances-there’s still something here for Boston to work with.
Over 107 career Triple-A games, Sweet owns a 4.42 ERA. That’s not dominant by any stretch, but it’s the kind of profile that clubs like to keep in their back pocket-especially when you’re looking at a long season filled with inevitable bullpen churn. He’s not a finished product, but he brings experience, and there’s still room for growth.
Sweet does have a taste of big-league action under his belt. He made his MLB debut with the Mariners on July 19, 2023.
His stint in Seattle was short-lived-he was designated for assignment by the end of August and picked up by the Athletics. In five appearances for Oakland, he struggled, giving up eight earned runs and three home runs.
Since then, he hasn’t returned to the majors.
So, what does this mean for the Red Sox? In short, they’re taking a flyer on a reliever with some upside and one remaining option year. If Sweet can make the most of his spring training invite, he could earn a spot in Worcester’s bullpen with a chance to pitch his way into a call-up if the big league club needs coverage during the season.
It’s the kind of move that doesn’t define a team’s offseason, but it’s part of the larger puzzle. Bullpen depth matters-especially over 162 games-and sometimes all it takes is a mechanical tweak or a change of scenery to unlock a pitcher’s potential. The Red Sox are betting that a fresh start and a new set of eyes might help Sweet turn the corner.
For now, he’s a name to watch in camp. Not a lock, not a headliner-but maybe, just maybe, a contributor waiting for the right opportunity.
