Boston Red Sox Manager Makes Interesting Declaration Regarding Closer Battle

Speaking to the media on Sunday morning, Alex Cora said he learned from his mistakes in 2019 and will look to name an official closer.

Boston Red Sox Liam Hendriks (31) pitching during the third inning of their game against the New York Mets at JetBlue Park at Fenway South on March 2. / Chris Tilley-Imagn Images

Speaking with the media on Sunday morning, Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora made an interesting revelation about how he sees the closer battle shaking out.

Per Rob Bradford of WEEI:

Cora said he would want the Big 3 prospects to be playing regularly at whatever level they land at. Also noted wanted defined closer, saying he learned from ‘19 about wanting structure

Cora said he would want the Big 3 prospects to be playing regularly at whatever level they land at. Also noted wanted defined closer, saying he learned from ‘19 about wanting structure

— Rob Bradford (@bradfo) March 16, 2025

There's always talk of "closer by committee" or "pitching to pockets," but the Red Sox seem to be going the more traditional route. The only problem is that the traditional candidates have struggled at times this spring.

Liam Hendriks is 2-0, but he's got a 10.80 ERA in five games. He's also posted a WHIP of 2.40. A three-time All-Star, the 36-year-old Hendriks is a 13-year big league veteran. He has played for the Twins, Royals, Blue Jays, Athletics and White Sox. For his career, he's 33-34 with a 3.82 ERA. He's got 116 career saves, the bulk of which have come since 2019.

Aroldis Chapman, now 37, has been better but not perfect. He's 1-0 with a 3.38 ERA. He's struck out 10 batters in five innings, but he's also walked four batters. Control remains his biggest question.

He spent the 2024 campaign with the Pittsburgh Pirates, appearing in 68 games. He went 5-5 with a 3.79 ERA, registering 14 saves in total. He took over at the end of the year for an injured David Bednar, getting nine saves in his place.

A 15-year veteran, Chapman has spent time with the Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Kansas City Royals, Texas Rangers and Pirates. He helped the Cubs win the World Series in 2016 and the Rangers take the title in 2023.

Should neither of these two assume the role, there's a chance that Justin Slaten could get it.

Related MLB Stories

SKENES OPENING DAY START: Paul Skenes will start on Opening Day for the Pittsburgh Pirates, making some great history in his own right. CLICK HERE:

OPENING DAY READY: Gunnar Henderson, battling an intercostal strain, hopes to be ready when the Orioles take the field on March 27. CLICK HERE:

NFL DRAFT SZN: With the NFL Draft coming to Green Bay this April, the Milwaukee Brewers are set to capitalize with this awesome ballpark giveaway. CLICK HERE:

Follow Fastball on SI on social media

Continue to follow our Fastball on SI coverage on social media by liking us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.