Red Sox Target Veteran Southpaw After Brief Cubs Stint

The Boston Red Sox head into the offseason with a clear goal for their bullpen: find reliable left-handed relief help beyond the closer’s spot. They have some internal options, but a proven veteran could really settle things down in high-leverage innings.

Taylor Rogers is one name that fits Boston’s timeline and budget. He’s a durable reliever with a track record that suggests he might quietly become a key piece in the bullpen puzzle.

Why the Red Sox Need Another Left-Handed Reliever

Bullpen depth can make or break a contender, and Boston’s been burned before. Matchup flexibility late in games is huge, especially in a division packed with left-handed power bats.

Aroldis Chapman is already in the mix, but counting on him as the only experienced southpaw feels risky.

The Red Sox do have some internal candidates who could step up, but nobody’s a sure thing right away.

Assessing the Internal Options

Prospects like Jake Bennett, Jovani Moran, and Shane Drohan bring some intrigue and long-term upside. Still, each guy has question marks, and none have really handled a full major league season in high-pressure bullpen roles.

The front office keeps talking about balancing youth with experience. In the bullpen, a little certainty goes a long way.

Taylor Rogers: A Sensible Free-Agent Target

Taylor Rogers doesn’t have the flash of the top free agents, but his profile fits what the Red Sox need right now. He started last season with the Cincinnati Reds before heading to the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline.

His time in Chicago was a bit uneven. Still, his overall 2024 numbers paint a more encouraging picture.

Performance and Pitch Profile

Rogers put up a sharp 2.45 ERA in 40 appearances with Cincinnati, showing he can still get big outs. He doesn’t rely on overpowering velocity—he just knows how to use his pitches.

Some key pieces in his arsenal:

Left-handed hitters have had a tough time against Rogers. Over his career, they’ve managed just a .199 average, and last season his sweeper held them to a tiny .168 average.

Durability and Cost Make Rogers Attractive

One of the best things about Rogers is how often he’s available. Since 2022, he’s pitched in 247 games, which says a lot about his conditioning and lack of injury issues.

Rogers probably won’t need a huge contract, either. That keeps Boston’s payroll flexible, which could matter if they chase a bigger bat for the lineup this winter.

How He Fits in Boston’s Bullpen

In a Red Sox uniform, Rogers wouldn’t be closing games. He’d probably thrive as a bridge reliever, setting up Chapman or Garrett Whitlock for the late innings.

If Alex Cora uses him well, Rogers turns into a matchup weapon. That’s the kind of arm you want in a tight spot, honestly.

Boston needs stability, but they don’t want to lose upside. Taylor Rogers feels like the type of sneaky, under-the-radar move that winning teams actually pull off.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Red Sox Should Sign Veteran Southpaw After Short Stint With Cubs