Red Sox Eye Top Left-Handed Relievers in 2026 Offseason

The Boston Red Sox have stayed busy this offseason, patching up several weak spots. Still, they haven’t checked off one big item: finding a reliable left-handed reliever.

The rotation looks steadier now, and the lineup’s got a new power bat. Even so, the front office is still searching for a proven southpaw to balance out a bullpen loaded with tough righties.

Red Sox Still Seeking Left-Handed Bullpen Stability

After boosting their starting pitching and adding some thump to the order, Boston’s priorities have shifted. The bullpen is better, but it’s stacked with right-handers, which could be a headache in the AL East.

Aroldis Chapman and Garrett Whitlock are a scary duo late in games. But there’s still no lefty the team can trust to handle tough matchups, and that’s kept Boston working the free-agent phones.

Internal Options Remain Unproven

Boston does have some lefties in the system, but none have really broken through in the majors. Guys like Shane Drohan, David Sandlin, and Tyler Uberstine are interesting, sure, but they’re still untested when the pressure’s on.

Counting on just those young arms feels risky for a team with playoff hopes. No wonder the front office keeps chasing veteran help.

Veteran Free Agents on Boston’s Radar

Chris Cotillo at MassLive says the Red Sox are still talking to several veteran lefties. Each one brings their own mix of experience, recent numbers, and, honestly, a bit of uncertainty.

Danny Coulombe: A Familiar Name

At 36, Danny Coulombe has popped up in Red Sox rumors before. He’s quietly been one of the more reliable lefty relievers since 2020, putting up a 2.60 ERA with the Twins, Orioles, and Rangers.

Coulombe misses bats and keeps damage to a minimum. He seems like a solid short-term fix for a team that wants stability over flash.

Tim Mayza: Experience With Questions

Tim Mayza, 33, is a familiar name for AL East fans after seven years with the Blue Jays. Lately, though, his performance has dipped.

With stops on the Blue Jays, Yankees, Phillies, and Pirates in 2024–25, Mayza posted a 5.61 ERA. Boston would have to bet that a new environment could spark a turnaround.

Cionel Pérez: High Ceiling, High Risk

Cionel Pérez is the youngest of the bunch at 29, but he’s been up and down. He wowed with a 1.40 ERA in 2022 for the Orioles, then struggled to an 8.31 ERA in 2025.

Pérez could be a classic buy-low guy—lots of upside, but no guarantees.

Other Left-Handed Relievers Worth Monitoring

Boston hasn’t been directly tied to these names, but a few veteran lefties are still out there if talks stall:

Each brings something different—durability, versatility, or just a fresh look. Any could end up a fallback if the main targets don’t work out.

A Decision That Could Shape the Bullpen

The Red Sox keep looking at outside help, which makes it obvious: they want a reliable left-handed reliever to balance out their late-inning group.

They could go for a steady veteran like Coulombe. Or maybe they’ll take a chance on someone like Pérez, who’s more of a project. That choice will reveal a lot about how much risk the front office is willing to take.

With spring getting closer, it really comes down to trust. Do you lean on a veteran’s history, or hope your own guys step up fast?

However they solve the lefty bullpen question, it could end up making a huge difference in how far Boston goes this season.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Red Sox Reportedly Showing Interest In These Left-Handed Relievers