3 Realistic Trades Red Sox Could Make to Solidify Their Bullpen
By Parker White
On the whole, the bullpen for the Boston Red Sox hasn't been a complete mess. The Boston pen ranks in the top-10 in baseball with a 3.92 ERA. However, they have nine blown saves on the season, four of which have come in the last two weeks. On top of blowing saves in recent weeks, Boston has a league-worst 13.3% walk rate over that span, which is very much concerning.
The Red Sox could make the playoffs in a depleted American League with what they have, but to contend for the division and make a run in October, Boston needs to augment this unit. So, here are three realistic trades the Red Sox could make to solidify their bullpen.
3. Acquire Tigers Closer Shane Greene
The Detroit Tigers have one of the worst records in baseball and in the midst of a rebuild, so you can bet they'll be willing to part with a reliever who is having a career year. Greene had his struggles last year, but he must have figured some things out, as he holds a 1.17 ERA and 9.8 K/9 with a league-leading 17 saves over 23 appearances. Greene is also not a rental, as he won't be a free agent until 2021.
Red Sox receive: RHP Shane Greene
Tigers receive: LHP Darwinzon Hernandez and 3B Danny Diaz
2. Pony Up for Pittsburgh's Felipe Vasquez
It would take a lot for Boston to get this deal done, but Pittsburgh's Felipe Vazquez would solve the back end of the bullpen now and for the foreseeable future. Vazquez isn't a free agent until 2022 and he has a couple affordable team options attached to the end of his contract, which only makes the package heading back to Pittsburgh that much greater. Not only is he a nice investment for years to come, but he's been dominant in 2019 for the Pirates, posting a 1.57 ERA and 14.5 K/9 with 14 saves over 21 appearances.
Red Sox receive: LHP Felipe Vazquez
Pirates receive: 1B/3B Triston Casas, SS C.J. Chatham and LHP Josh Taylor
1. Acquire Veteran Closer Sean Doolittle from Nationals
Boston could use multiple relievers to augment this bullpen, but what they really need is a reliable closer to shut games down. Veteran southpaw Sean Doolittle has been one of the best in the business, and with Washington's season going down the drain and Doolittle up for free agency after the season, he should be made available.
Red Sox receive: LHP Sean Doolittle
Nationals receive: RHP Mike Shawaryn and LHP Travis Lakins