As the Boston Red Sox dive into the offseason, much of the spotlight has centered on chief baseball officer Craig Breslow’s pursuit of a top-tier starting pitcher to complement staff ace Garrett Crochet. However, while bolstering the rotation remains a priority, the Red Sox have another critical area to address: the bullpen, particularly the middle innings.
The Red Sox are well-positioned in the late innings. Fireballer Aroldis Chapman, who posted an impressive 1.17 ERA with 32 saves and 85 strikeouts over 61 1/3 innings in 2024, is locked in as the closer for another season with a $13.3 million contract extension. Meanwhile, five-year veteran Garrett Whitlock solidified his role as the eighth-inning setup man, delivering a dominant performance down the stretch. From July onward, Whitlock allowed just two earned runs, including a scoreless September where he pitched 9 1/3 innings across eight appearances, surrendering only six hits while striking out 14.
The soft underbelly of Boston’s bullpen lies in the sixth and seventh innings, a common trouble spot for many teams. As MassLive Red Sox beat writer Chris Cotillo noted, “What the group needs is veteran depth that can pitch in the sixth or seventh innings of games.” A cost-effective, savvy signing akin to last year’s addition of left-hander Justin Wilson could address this gap. Wilson, who signed a one-year, $2.25 million deal from the Cincinnati Reds, delivered a solid 3.35 ERA across 61 appearances in 2024. However, at 38 years old, Wilson is now a free agent, and it remains uncertain whether Boston will pursue a reunion.
Cotillo has floated another intriguing option that could not only shore up the Red Sox bullpen but also deliver a stinging blow to their arch-rivals, the New York Yankees. That option is 10-year veteran right-hander Luke Weaver, who emerged as a key piece in the Bronx Bombers’ bullpen in 2024. Weaver took over the closer role in September, notching four saves during that crucial month. His versatility and experience make him an ideal candidate to anchor Boston’s middle innings.
Signing Weaver would be more than a practical addition—it would be a statement. Luring a key reliever away from the Yankees would not only strengthen the Red Sox but also weaken their fiercest competitor, adding a layer of psychological warfare to the storied rivalry.
With needs across the roster—including a No. 2 starter, a power bat, and improved infield defense—Boston must be strategic in its spending. A cost-effective signing like Weaver or a similar veteran reliever fits perfectly into Breslow’s plan to build a competitive roster without breaking the bank. Free-agent options for middle relievers are plentiful, offering the Red Sox flexibility to address their bullpen needs while allocating resources to other priorities.
As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Boston can pull off the ultimate burn by convincing Weaver to trade pinstripes for the red and white of Fenway Park. If successful, it could be a move that resonates far beyond the box score.