Red Sox Could Target Red-Hot Cubs Reliever To Add Needed Bullpen Boost

Boston should be in the mix for the red-hot reliever
Feb 27, 2024; Mesa, Arizona, USA;  General view of a Chicago Cubs glove, hat and glasses in the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds during a spring training game at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2024; Mesa, Arizona, USA; General view of a Chicago Cubs glove, hat and glasses in the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds during a spring training game at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports / Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Red Sox have a chance to add another important piece to the bullpen.

Boston is right in the mix for an American League Wild Card spot but it will need to make up some ground over the next few weeks. The Red Sox's bullpen hasn't had as much success since the All-Star break as they had hoped. The Red Sox currently have the 27th-ranked bullpen with a 4.45 ERA.

The Red Sox have lost some important pieces and injuries have popped up. Boston should be looking for ways to improve the bullpen down the stretch and one player who could help recently became available.

The Chicago Cubs surprisingly placed reliever Drew Smyly on outright waivers, according to USA Today Sports' Bob Nightengale.

"The Chicago Cubs put veteran pitcher Drew Smyly on outright waivers for postseason contenders looking for lefty reliever," Nightengale said.

Smyly would be a great pickup for the Red Sox for cheap at this point. He has appeared in 39 games so far this season and has an impressive 2.84 ERA and 43-to-18 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 50 2/3 innings pitched.

If the Red Sox could land him, Smyly would provide another reliable left-handed arm to a bullpen that certainly needs one. Boston has a chance to make it back to the playoffs but it needs to address the bullpen. If it could land Smyly it just would make them even better.

Boston could use a boost and Smyly certainly could provide it.

More MLB: Red Sox Bringing Back Fan-Favorite With Playoff Chances Slipping, Per Insider


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Patrick McAvoy
PATRICK MCAVOY

Patrick McAvoy's experiences include local and national sports coverage at the New England Sports Network with a focus on baseball and basketball. Outside of journalism, Patrick also is pursuing an MBA at Brandeis University. After quickly rising as one of the most productive writers on the site, he expanded his reach to write for Baseball Essential, a national baseball site in Sports Illustrated Media Group. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding Inside The Cardinals, please reach out to Scott Neville: nevilles@merrimack.edu