Red Sox Pursue Left-Handed Relievers to Bolster Bullpen

The Boston Red Sox are back at it, searching the free-agent market for left-handed bullpen help. It’s a familiar offseason mission for a team that just can’t seem to get enough reliable relief arms.

Plenty of veteran options are out there, each with their own baggage. Boston’s front office is juggling experience, health, and cost as they try to add another southpaw to their already intriguing bullpen mix.

Why the Red Sox Need Another Left-Handed Reliever

The Red Sox have patched up some holes in their bullpen, but left-handed depth is still a glaring need. Situational matchups late in games can make or break a postseason run, and Boston just doesn’t have many reliable internal choices after their closer.

Aroldis Chapman anchors the bullpen as the main lefty. Still, counting on him alone for a full season feels like a gamble.

Boston wants another experienced arm who can handle tough left-handed hitters and offer some flexibility in high-leverage moments.

Internal Options Fall Short

Jovani Moran is the only real internal candidate, but his recent performance gives plenty of reason to worry. Since 2023, he’s posted a 5.44 ERA and is still coming back from Tommy John surgery.

Counting on Moran to be a dependable option in April seems unrealistic right now.

Justin Wilson: Proven but Pricey

Justin Wilson stands out among the free-agent names. The veteran left-hander gave Boston solid results in 2025, putting up a 3.35 ERA over 48 1/3 innings with a strong 27.5% strikeout rate.

But Wilson’s situation isn’t perfect. At 38, his fastball velocity dropped from 95.5 mph in 2024 to 94.5 mph last year.

He’s also reportedly weighing retirement unless he gets what he calls “a fair deal with a legitimate World Series contender.”

Contract Expectations

Wilson made $2.25 million in 2025, and he’s probably looking for a one-year guaranteed deal with a bump in salary. Boston has to decide if paying extra for someone they know and trust fits with their bigger payroll plans.

Low-Risk, High-Reward Candidates: Mayza and Perez

If Boston wants to go cheaper, Tim Mayza and Cionel Perez are both interesting options. They could likely be signed to short-term deals—maybe even without a guaranteed roster spot.

Tim Mayza’s Health Concerns

Mayza managed a 3.78 ERA in limited action last season but pitched only 16 2/3 innings before he got waived. His short stint with Philadelphia didn’t help his case, as command and consistency went missing.

Cionel Perez’s Steep Decline

Perez’s drop-off has been rough. He shined in 2022, but by 2025, his ERA ballooned to 8.31, and he walked almost as many as he struck out (18 walks, 21 strikeouts).

Getting outrighted off Baltimore’s 40-man roster really shows how far his value has fallen.

Danny Coulombe: A Quietly Attractive Option

Danny Coulombe might be the most quietly appealing fit of the bunch. Since 2022, he’s put together a sharp 2.38 ERA over 136 1/3 innings and built a solid reputation as a dependable lefty specialist.

Coulombe had some hiccups after a midseason trade in 2025, but his overall track record is strong. At 36, he’s expected to get only one-year offers, which could make him a smart, cost-effective pickup.

Balancing Risk, Cost, and Contention

The Red Sox want left-handed bullpen help, but they’re not looking to throw money around for its own sake. They’re trying to stay competitive, sure, but they don’t want to overcommit and get stuck with a bad contract.

Maybe they’ll lean toward Wilson’s reliability, or maybe Coulombe’s steadiness feels safer. There’s also the temptation of Mayza or Perez, who both have some real upside if things break right.

Honestly, it’s not just a nice-to-have. If Boston wants to survive a tough American League and actually make noise in October, they need another experienced southpaw. No way around it.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Red Sox Targeting Left-Handed Bullpen Help