At this point in the 2025 MLB regular season, the transaction wire is a revolving door as teams call up various players from the minor leagues, while also signing veterans looking to make a comeback to the majors.
For one former Boston Red Sox reliever, he’s trying to make a valiant return to the big leagues after last pitching two years ago with the Colorado Rockies.
Former Red Sox Reliever Daniel Bard Signs With Mariners
Earlier this week, Rob Bradford of WEEI reported that former Red Sox pitcher Daniel Bard has signed a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners. Bradford added that Bard’s quest will begin with 10 days in Arizona at Seattle’s Spring Training Complex before he reports to their Triple-A affiliate.
The now 39-year-old right-handed pitcher also has multiple outs in his minor league pact. The veteran reliever missed all of last season rehabbing from a meniscus tear in his left knee and a flexor tendon tear in his forearm.
Both injuries were serious, especially the flexor tendon tear, which could’ve potentially ended Bard’s career.
That said, the ex-Red Sox reliever was determined to pitch again in 2025. Last month, Bard reportedly threw for 10 teams and drew significant interest, including some contenders from both West divisions, per Bradford.
Bard most recently played for the Rockies in 2023, where he had a 4-2 record and 4.56 ERA in 50 appearances. It was Bard’s fourth season in Colorado after bouncing around the league and voluntarily retiring in October 2017.
The soon-to-be 40-year-old began his career with the Red Sox, where he pitched five seasons. Bard had a 10-19 record and 3.67 ERA across 211 appearances. During his Red Sox tenure, opponents hit .210 at the plate with an OPS of .650. Bard also had a 23.4 strikeout percentage.
The veteran’s best season with the ballclub was in 2010. Bard recorded a stellar 1.93 ERA in 73 appearances. He only allowed 45 hits, 30 walks, 18 runs (16 earned), three home runs, while striking out 73 batters in 74.2 innings pitched.
Nonetheless, it's great to see Bard bounce back from injury and take another chance at making it to the majors. The Red Sox have already played the Mariners this season, so there won’t be a chance to see Bard again at Fenway. However, Sox fans will be watching to see if Bard still has something left in the tank.