The Boston Red Sox have made strides this offseason, but there’s still a noticeable hole in their bullpen – specifically from the left side. With Justin Wilson no longer in the picture, Boston is heading into the season with just two left-handed relievers: veteran closer Aroldis Chapman and Jovani Moran, who’s still trying to find his footing at the big-league level.

That’s where Danny Coulombe enters the conversation.

Coulombe, an 11-year MLB veteran, isn’t a flashy name, but he’s been one of the more dependable left-handed relievers in the game. He’s not going to light up radar guns or headline highlight reels, but he gets outs – and in a division stacked with lefty sluggers, that’s exactly what the Red Sox need.

Let’s talk numbers. Coulombe finished the 2025 season with a 2.30 ERA across 55 appearances, striking out 43 and posting a WHIP of 1.163.

That’s the kind of consistency Boston could use in the middle innings, especially when you consider the alternatives. Jovani Moran, while talented, only made two appearances in 2025 and hasn’t pitched effectively in the majors since 2022.

That’s a big ask for someone expected to be the next man up behind Chapman from the left side.

Coulombe’s value lies in his ability to neutralize some of the toughest left-handed bats in the AL East. Think Gunnar Henderson, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Addison Barger – all dangerous hitters who can change a game with one swing.

Coulombe has proven he can handle that kind of pressure. He’s not just a stopgap; he’s a situational weapon who can be deployed in high-leverage spots when the lineup turns over.

And here’s the kicker: he won’t break the bank. At a projected one-year deal worth $4.3 million, Coulombe fits the mold of the kind of low-risk, high-reward signing Boston has leaned on in recent years. For a team that’s been cautious with spending, especially on the bullpen, this is the kind of move that makes sense – both competitively and financially.

Adding Coulombe wouldn’t just be about plugging a hole. It would be about strengthening the foundation of a bullpen that still feels one arm short. With Chapman holding down the ninth, Coulombe could slide into a seventh- or eighth-inning role, giving Boston more flexibility and match-up versatility late in games.

The Red Sox have done well to recover from a slow start to the offseason, but this is one of those finishing touches that could make a real difference over the grind of 162 games. If Boston doesn’t make a move soon, there’s a good chance another contender will – and they’ll be better for it.