The Boston Red Sox’s bullpen has been their weakest link almost all season. Now that the team has officially started their offseason, here are three free agent arms the Sox need to target to fix their problem.
Tanner Scott, San Diego Padres LHP
Scott was one of the biggest names for relievers at the trade deadline, and now he is helping the Padres in the playoffs. This season, he has a 1.75 ERA, a 9-6 record, 22 saves, and 84 strikeouts.
With the Sox possibly losing some of their best late-game relievers this offseason, they need to get Scott. He is likely the one man they need to outbid other teams on to get.
Jorge Lopez, Chicago Cubs RHP
Lopez was also a deadline deal, and has been doing even better since his trade. Before his trade, he had a 3.76 ERA, and with the Cubs he dropped it to a 2.03, bringing his season ERA to 2.89. Lopez also has 50 strikeouts in 52 games this season.
He could be a vital pick-up to be in the late-game bullpen, being another setup-man for the sixth, seventh, or eighth innings.
A.J. Minter, Atlanta Braves LHP
Minter has been a core part of the Braves bullpen, and he could be a core part of the Sox’s if they go after him.
Minter posted a 2.62 ERA in 39 games with 35 strikeouts. He is also a lefty, which the Sox bullpen desperately needs. He would also be another good late-game pitcher for the Sox.
If the Sox can get any of these guys, and maybe someone else a level below, and they work on their current guys, they should be able to turn around their mess into something good.
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