Boston Red Sox: Strengthening the Bullpen in 2025

The Boston Red Sox have made significant moves this offseason, but one area that still needs attention is the bullpen, particularly the back end. Last season, the team relied on Kenley Jansen as their closer, but heading into the 2025 season, the role is expected to be shared among Justin Slaten, Aroldis Chapman, and Liam Hendriks. While this trio has potential, it’s far from an ideal setup for a team looking to compete at a high level. The Red Sox need to address this issue by adding another high-leverage arm to solidify their bullpen.

The Current Bullpen Situation and Its Challenges

The Red Sox are entering the 2025 season with a bullpen that lacks a clear closer, which could lead to uncertainty in high-pressure situations. Justin Slaten, Aroldis Chapman, and Liam Hendriks are all capable pitchers, but they don’t inspire the same confidence as a proven closer. This lack of a defined ninth-inning role could cost the team games, especially in tight contests. To avoid this, the Red Sox must explore adding a reliable closer or setup man who can anchor the bullpen and provide stability.

David Robertson: A Potential Solution for the Red Sox

One name that has been floated as a potential solution is David Robertson, a veteran closer who played for the Texas Rangers in 2024. Despite being 39 years old, Robertson had a standout season, posting a 3.00 ERA in 68 appearances and striking out 12.4 batters per nine innings. He also contributed nearly 2.0 WAR, showcasing his value as a high-leverage reliever. Robertson’s experience and consistency make him an attractive option for the Red Sox, who could use a reliable arm in the late innings.

Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer predicts that Robertson could sign with the Red Sox, which would be a bold but logical move. Robertson has a proven track record, having recorded 20 saves in 2022 and 18 saves in 2023, demonstrating his ability to perform in clutch situations. His ability to serve as both a closer and a setup man makes him a versatile asset for any bullpen. Given his performance last season, it’s surprising that he remains unsigned, but the Red Sox would be wise to capitalize on this opportunity.

The Mystery of Robertson’s Free Agency

Despite his strong performance in 2024, David Robertson remains unsigned, and this has raised eyebrows around the baseball world. Spotrac predicts that Robertson could sign a deal worth $7 million, but given the slow pace of his free agency, it’s unlikely he’ll command such a high salary. In fact, it’s more plausible that he’ll sign for closer to $5 million, especially as free agency drags on.

This lack of interest in Robertson is puzzling, as he’s precisely the kind of pitcher who could strengthen a contending team’s bullpen. The Red Sox, in particular, would benefit from his presence, as he could slot into a high-leverage role and provide much-needed stability. If the Red Sox don’t act quickly, however, they risk losing him to another team, such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are known for making shrewd, team-friendly signings.

Why the Red Sox Need to Act Now

For the Red Sox, signing David Robertson is a low-risk, high-reward move that could pay dividends in 2025. At 39, Robertson is still pitching at a high level, and his ability to miss bats and limit runs makes him a valuable commodity. He would not only provide a boost to the bullpen but also alleviate some of the pressure on younger pitchers like Justin Slaten and Liam Hendriks, allowing them to develop without the weight of closing games.

Additionally, Robertson’s affordability makes him an attractive option for a team like the Red Sox, who may not want to break the bank on a high-priced closer. At a projected salary of around $5 million, Robertson would be a cost-effective addition that wouldn’t hinder the team’s ability to make other moves. With the Dodgers potentially lurking as a suitor, the Red Sox need to act swiftly to ensure they land Robertson before he’s snapped up by another contender.

The Bottom Line: A Smart Move for the Red Sox

In summary, the Boston Red Sox have made strides this offseason, but their bullpen remains a question mark heading into the 2025 season. Adding a proven closer or setup man like David Robertson would go a long way in addressing this weakness. Robertson’s strong performance in 2024, combined with his affordability and versatility, makes him an ideal target for the Red Sox.

With the Dodgers and other contenders likely circling, the Red Sox must act quickly to bring Robertson aboard. Doing so would not only strengthen their bullpen but also give them a much-needed edge in tight games. It’s a move that could make all the difference in their quest to compete in 2025.