The Boston Red Sox have a number of their own relievers hitting the market, and there is a strong chance that most of them find work elsewhere in 2024.
With that, the Red Sox will need to fill those holes by either signing a veteran in free agency, acquiring one via trade or promoting from within.
If Boston is looking for a capable veteran who has had experience closing out games before, a new name hit the market last week, who fits the bill – Jordan Romano.
Romano, 31, joined the Toronto Blue Jays as a 10th-round pick in the 2014 MLB draft and debuted with the club in 2019. From 2020-23, he was one of the best bullpen arms in the league, posting a 2.29 ERA and a 1.076 WHIP over 200 2/3 innings. He also earned All-Star honors twice during that span (2022 and 2023).
However, this year, Romano appeared in just 15 games and posted a 6.59 ERA and a 1.463 WHIP while striking out roughly three fewer batters per nine innings. He was shut down in July due to arthroscopic surgery to repair an elbow impingement.
Just last week, Toronto non-tendered Romano, making him a free agent.
Obviously, the Red Sox would have to get some good reports on the elbow before committing to a deal, but they’re in desperate need of a closer. If either Romano or Liam Hendriks, who missed the entire 2024 season while recovering from Tommy John, could hold down that role, Boston’s bullpen would be significantly improved in 2025.
Counting on two guys coming off of/still dealing with elbow injuries may be too much of a risk, but considering the Red Sox have had a run of signing injured players over the last few years, it might be something they’re willing to try.
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