The Boston Red Sox are on the hunt for left-handed bullpen depth, and it’s a move that could reshape their season. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this a smart strategy, or are they overlooking internal solutions? Sean McAdam of MassLive (https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2026/02/red-sox-in-search-of-additional-lh-bullpen-depth.html) reports that the team is actively scouting for left-handed relievers, even as the season looms closer. This isn’t exactly a surprise—while the Red Sox boast a deep roster of right-handed bullpen options like Garrett Whitlock, Justin Slaten, Greg Weissert, and Zack Kelly, their left-handed options are limited. Aroldis Chapman is locked in as the closer, leaving Jovani Moran and Tyler Samaniego as the only other lefties. Moran has just four innings of major league experience over the past two years, and Samaniego hasn’t debuted yet. And this is the part most people miss: the Red Sox are intentionally avoiding internal solutions like top prospects Payton Tolle and Connelly Early, opting to keep them stretched out at Triple-A.
The team’s approach is deliberate but raises questions. McAdam notes that Boston is unwilling to rush Tolle or Early into bullpen roles, prioritizing their development as starters. While this makes sense for their long-term growth, it leaves a glaring hole in the current bullpen. Is this a missed opportunity, or a wise investment in the future? Meanwhile, the Red Sox aren’t keen on signing free agents like Danny Coulombe or Jalen Beeks to major league deals, as these players are holding out for guaranteed contracts. This stance could change as Spring Training progresses, but for now, it limits their options to waiver claims and trades.
Scouting for left-handed relievers isn’t easy this late in the offseason. Few teams are willing to part with bullpen depth, especially with Opening Day injuries always a possibility. However, there are potential targets. Non-roster invitees like Ryan Borucki (White Sox), Cionel Perez (Nationals), and Tayler Saucedo (Angels) could be available if they fail to secure spots with their current teams. Additionally, 40-man roster lefties like Tyler Gilbert (White Sox) and Ryan Rolison (Cubs) might be squeezed out of their teams’ plans.
One intriguing possibility is Cardinals lefty JoJo Romero. Despite being a favorite for St. Louis’s closer role in 2026, Romero has been a trade candidate all offseason. The Cardinals have traded nearly every pending free agent from their 2025 roster, and Romero could be next. But here’s the real question: would Chaim Bloom and Craig Breslow pull off another deal with St. Louis after successfully acquiring Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras earlier this winter?
The Red Sox’s pursuit of left-handed bullpen depth is a calculated move, but it’s not without its risks and controversies. Are they making the right call by avoiding internal solutions and free agents? Or are they setting themselves up for a bullpen shortage? Let us know what you think in the comments—this is a debate that’s sure to spark differing opinions!
