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

Breaking News: Mike Elias officially out of Adley Rutschman excuses after Jackson Merrill extension

Major League Baseball is absolutely loaded with young talent. Players like Bobby Witt Jr. and Elly De La Cruz are realistic MVP candidates while being some of…

Breaking: Orioles broadcasters’ announcer jinx breaks 160 at-bat streak

For those who don’t believe in announcer jinxes, nothing unusual happened Wednesday in the ninth inning of the Baltimore Orioles-Boston Red Sox game. Yet if you do…

Report: Orioles injury updates on Henderson, Rodriguez, Sugano and more

Gunnar Henderson is playing for Triple-A Norfolk again tonight in Charlotte. It could be the last game on his injury rehab assignment. The Orioles need a little…

BREAKING NEWS: Mets’ Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor on Sandy Alcantara possibility: ‘One of the best trades that we could have’

Francisco Lindor: ‘It would almost be like adding Soto’ When the MLB trade deadline rolls around later this summer, Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara will undoubtedly be one of…

BREAKING NEWS: Mets’ Pete Alonso highlights NY’s ‘great characteristic’ after clutch HR vs. Marlins

New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso gave a striking take on the current state of the team after the win over the Marlins

‘Can’t explain it’: The Braves are MLB’s only winless team. Is it panic time?

The 2025 MLB campaign couldn’t have started much worse for the Atlanta Braves. Is there light at the end of the tunnel?