Ex-Rays Flamethrower Could Be Option For Red Sox To Bolster Bullpen In Free Agency

It sounds like the Red Sox could target a former Rays fireballer this offseason in free agency

The Boston Red Sox will likely make a handful of additions soon.

Boston's biggest roster hole is in the starting rotation, but the Red Sox must also add elsewhere. The Red Sox need a new right-handed slugger in the middle of the lineup with Justin Turner likely leaving. It sounds like former Toronto Blue Jays All-Star Teoscar Hernández could be an option.

The Red Sox also will need to add to the bullpen this offseason. Boston's bullpen did make positive strides in 2023 and was a bright spot, but it was overused due to a lack of production from the starting rotation.

Luckily for Boston, the free-agent reliever market has been extremely slow so far this offseason so there still are plenty of hurlers available. One player who could be a "name to watch" for Boston is former Cincinnati Reds, Colorado Rockies, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Tampa Bay Rays flamethrower Robert Stephenson, according to Beyond the Monster's Jamie Gatlin.

"Robert Stephenson could be a name to watch for if the Red Sox do end up moving some of their bullpen arms," Gatlin said. 

There have been rumblings that the Red Sox may end up trading some of their current relievers in exchange for starting pitching help. There even have been rumors that four-time All-Star Kenley Jansen could be a possible trade candidate. 

It's unclear exactly what will happen, but adding someone like Stephenson could be a solid move. He logged a 3.10 ERA in 2023 across 60 total outings with the Rays and Pirates and finished in the 90th percentile in fastball velocity.

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