Red Sox Strengthen Bullpen with Important Free-Agent Addition in Boston – Sports Al Dente

The Boston Red Sox cannot let their bullpen ruin another potential playoff run.

For much of the 2024 season, the Red Sox were in playoff contention, holding a Wild Card spot with a 53-42 record heading into the All-Star break. However, a second-half collapse followed, and the bullpen played a big role in that downfall.

Now, the bullpen is facing more challenges with closer Kenley Jansen and setup man Chris Martin still as free agents. The Red Sox signed veteran All-Star Aroldis Chapman to a one-year deal, but they will likely need additional help.

Tanner Scott, the All-Star reliever who finished the season with the San Diego Padres, could be a perfect addition, especially with his high strikeout potential as a left-handed pitcher. However, recent reports suggest Scott is seeking a hefty contract, which may not align with the Red Sox’s budget.

Red Sox Strengthen Bullpen with Important Free-Agent Addition in Boston - Sports Al Dente
Atlanta Braves vs Boston Red Sox (MLB)

According to Sean McAdam of MassLive on the Fenway Rundown podcast, a source revealed that Scott is asking for a four-year deal worth at least $20 million per year. This would total $80 million, making it the third-largest contract ever for a reliever, behind Edwin Díaz of the New York Mets and Josh Hader of the Houston Astros.

Considering the Red Sox have never spent more than $32 million on a reliever (Jansen’s contract two years ago) and haven’t spent over $21.05 million on any free agent this winter, it’s unlikely they’ll match that price.

While Scott’s demands may be high, it’s also unclear if any team will meet them. Based on the outcomes of Díaz and Hader’s deals, no team seems eager to commit to such a large contract for a single reliever. The bigger the contract Scott seeks, the less likely it seems the Red Sox will be able to land him, following the trends of recent years.

Related Posts

Braves, White Sox square off for game two of series on Tuesday

22 combined runs were scored on Monday. What does Tuesday have in store?

Chipper Jones fixed Michael Harris II and exposed the Braves’ actual hitting coach

I understand that he is really enjoying being a dad right now, but the Atlanta Braves need Chipper Jones to manage this club, or at least be their every day hit

Braves Claim Outfielder Off Waivers From Reds

The Atlanta Braves pick up anther outfielder who gets on base at a nice rate and steals bases

Red Sox make bullpen roster move and welcome back key lefty for stretch run

The back of the Boston Red Sox’s bullpen has looked increasingly unreliable as August goes on. Boston on August 19 swapped a struggling new addition to the ‘pen

Red Sox Assess Wilyer Abreu Injury Scare; Potential Return

The Boston Red Sox had to hold their breath for a second this past weekend. Boston outfielder Wilyer Abreu went 2-for-3 with a home run against the Miami Marli

Yankees’ Aaron Boone Makes Giancarlo Stanton Announcement

The New York Yankees have been using Giancarlo Stanton in right field with Aaron Judge recovering from a flexor strain. The team has been careful with Stanton.