5 Red Sox on Thin Ice This Offseason

3. Garrett Whitlock

Boston fans had high hopes for Garrett Whitlock following the 2022 season. The ex-UAB Blazer was effective as a starter and reliever, going 4-2 with a 3.45 ERA and 6 saves across 31 total games (9 starts).

Whitlock began 2023 as a part of the starting rotation, but it quickly became evident that wasn't the role for him. He went 4-3 with a 5.23 ERA across 10 starts before an elbow injury sidelined him for about a month.

He eventually made his way back to the team in mid-August, but had to do so in a bullpen role. Unfortunately, Whitlock's luck didn't change as a reliever, as he tallied a 1-2 record and a 4.95 ERA while going 1-for-2 in save opportunities across 12 relief appearances.

It's evident that Whitlock isn't meant to be a starter, meaning his last chance to stick with the Red Sox is likely in a bullpen role. If he can't prove that he is fit for that opportunity, continuing his MLB career elsewhere will be necessary.