The Boston Red Sox have upgraded their rotation this year, adding Garrett Richards to a one-year deal worth $10 million in addition to bringing back Martin Perez. But what about the bullpen?
The bullpen was another weakness of last year’s club and entering this offseason, Boston didn’t have a bonified closer. Matt Barnes is that guy right now but giving him more support will help. Alex Colome–who was the best reliever remaining on the market–signed with the Minnesota Twins, so that begs the question: who could the Red Sox sign?
Trevor Rosenthal would join his former teammate, Garrett Richards, at Fenway Park but the bad news is the likelihood of it happening isn’t too high. Rosenthal is the best reliever remaining on the market after Brad Hand and Alex Colome found homes, which means he has the leverage to seek a high AAV deal.
Rosenthal was traded away from the Royals to the San Diego Padres in 2020, and he lived up to the hype. He posted a 1.90 ERA in 2020 and accumulated more than a full win in a two month season–which is impressive considering he only pitched 23.2 innings.
If Rosenthal were to receive the money he wants from ownership, he would get the closer’s role and would certainly make Alex Cora‘s life easier.
Peacock, 33, might be past his prime years but maybe the Red Sox try to get him back to who he was in Houston. Before struggling in 2020 (with a 7.71 ERA in three appearances), he was a reliable arm for the Astros. He had an ERA under 4.15 for four consecutive seasons from 2016-2019 and was frequently utilized by A.J. Hinch in the postseason.
If the Red Sox were interested in Peacock, he wouldn’t be expensive and would be likely looking for a one-year deal.
Red Sox fans certainly remember the name of David Robertson, as he pitched for the rival New York Yankees for nine seasons in two separate stints. That’s the pitcher Boston would be trying to get back after Robertson hasn’t had a productive season since 2018.
He signed with the Phillies before the 2019 season but only appeared in seven games due to Tommy John surgery before he missed out on 2020 (elbow). Robertson is scheduled to throw for teams next Thursday to try to convince them he is healthy. Expect him to receive at least a minor league contract with an invite to Spring Training.
(Photo: Derrick Tuskan/AP)
RETIRE CHUCK SCHILLAN NOW IN FENNNWAY PARK&jet blue park before SEASON BEGINS. THE WRITERSS WHO VOTE IN HALL FAME ARE PC CROWD SHOULD APPOLISH RETURN VOTES TO FANS. GO REDSOX 2021.