Red Sox Fans Growing Frustrated as Team Likely Misses Out on Another FA
By Ryan Markham
After a strong start to the offseason where the Red Sox acquired Garrett Crochet via trade and signed Walker Buehler, Aroldis Chapman, and Patrick Sandoval, it has been a quiet past month for Boston in terms of adding free agents.
With notable free agent relievers still available, Boston seems to be "interested" in multiple players, but won't pull the trigger on signing them, including Carlos Estevez, the former Rockies, Angels, and Phillies reliever.
Red Sox Fans Growing Frustrated as Team Likely Misses Out on Another FA
Earlier this week, the Dodgers added more help with Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates and the Guardians brought in Paul Sewald to bolster their bullpen. After these moves, the list of free agent relievers is dwindling by the day.
The bullpen really hurt Boston last season, and after losing their top save man Kenley Jansen as well as Chris Martin, adding 36-year-old Aroldis Chapman isn't enough to save this unit.
Red Sox beat writer Chris Cotillo provided a simple solution for Breslow and the front office when it comes to the reliever market.
On Estevez: Red Sox “have checked in but not serious” as of this morning.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) January 23, 2025
I know you’ve heard that one before.
Wonder if they’re looking at trade market for bullpen. To me, just spend. You have room. Lots of guys out there. Just overpay a little and get one. https://t.co/97OtYLPOrN
Having interest or "checking in" on players and not signing them is a tale Red Sox fans have heard too often from the front office. The Reds are the frontrunner to sign Estevez per Bob Nightengale, as there seems to be not enough interest from Boston.
Estevez is an eight-year MLB vet who posts a career 4.21 ERA with 82 saves. He was named to the AL All-Star team in 2023 with the Angels.
While the starting rotation looks strong after the offseason acquisitions, the bullpen needs to improve for the Sox to be playing baseball in October this season. Boston's bullpen had the sixth-worst ERA, allowed the third-most hits, and had 40 total saves out of 71 save opportunities last season.
There are questions looming around Red Sox nation about who will fill the roles of Martin and Jansen from last season. As it stands right now, it seems unlikely that Estevez will be an option.
There is still time for the Red Sox to improve their bullpen before Opening Day, or during the season as the trade deadline approaches. With that said, Red Sox fans are growing frustrated after what was a strong start to the offseason.
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