Boston Red Sox: Five Free Agents to Target this Off Season

Sep 9, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Tyler Clippard (46) pitches during the eighth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. New York Mets defeated Washington Nationals 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Red Sox’s bullpen is a mess. They have some potential, but the results have undoubtedly been lacking. With few strong options in free agency, Dombrowski may primarily look to trades for bullpen help, but it felt silly to ignore the pen issues in this piece.

Traded from the Oakland Athletics to the New York Mets before the deadline, Tyler Clippard has once again been one of the premier set-up men in the game. Clippard is a ground ball machine, who has a 2.96 ERA and 62 strikeouts in 68 relief appearances between the two teams this season.

Clippard does not have elite pitching talent, but he simply knows how to get batters out. He has been one of the most consistent bullpen options in baseball the last five seasons, and is not showing signs of slowing down anytime soon.

The Red Sox could use a strong, consistent presence like Clippard in their bullpen. While I am normally against spending on the bullpen, as long as he comes at a reasonable price, I like the idea of the Red Sox targeting a reliable bullpen piece like Clippard.

Next: An Addition to the Outfield Mix