A quality bullpen often separates the World Series contenders from the pretenders. It's tremendously difficult for teams to navigate October baseball without reliable relief pitching.
With that in mind, all 30 MLB teams will be in the market for relievers this winter. The Boston Red Sox should be among the most aggressive clubs following a brutal 2022 season for their bullpen. Entering the year without a clearcut closer proved costly as they rank near the bottom of the league in ERA and the top of the league in blown saves.
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So, who could they target to help bolster the bullpen in 2023? Here's a look at the top five relief pitchers set to hit free agency.
1. Edwin Diaz, RHP
Age: 29
Diaz'sentrancesong and his performance earned him a reputation as the most electrifying reliever in baseball in 2022. The two-time All-Star currently boasts a career-best 1.28 ERA with an 0.90 WHIP and 29 saves through 53 appearances. He's a big reason the Mets look primed for a deep postseason run.
Boston Red Sox
UPDATE (Nov. 6): The Mets are re-signing Diaz to a record-breaking five-year, $102 million contract, per USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale.
2. Kenley Jansen, RHP
Age: 35
Jansen's first season in Atlanta has been a mixed bag, but he still flashes dominant stuff when he's on. The former Dodgers star leads MLB with 32 saves and owns a 3.19 FIP through 52 appearances. He's no longer among the game's elite, but there's little doubt he can still bring a significant boost to a bullpen.
3. Aroldis Chapman, LHP
Age: 35
Chapman was arguably the best closer in the game for about a decade. That run may have officially come to an end in 2022. The seven-time All-Star has posted a 4.70 ERA and 1.44 WHIP with 22 walks and 35 strikeouts in 36 appearances. He missed time due to Achilles and leg injuries.
There's no doubt Chapman can still help a bullpen when healthy, but his days as perhaps the most dominant reliever in the game appear to be behind him.
4. Craig Kimbrel, RHP
Age: 35
Like Chapman, Kimbrel isn't the dominant closer he once was. The 2018 World Series champion has a 3.88 ERA and 1.40 WHIP in 51 appearances with the Los Angeles Dodgers this year. That said, he's only a year removed from a phenomenal season with the Chicago Cubs. Kimbrel's undeniable track record should earn him a solid payday this offseason.
5. Taylor Rogers, LHP
Age: 32
Rogers struggled in his debut season with the San Diego Padres and things didn't get any better after he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers. Despite the down year, the former Minnesota Twins All-Star has filthy stuff when he's on, and he should be one of the most coveted relievers in free agency.
As an avid baseball enthusiast with a deep understanding of the intricacies of the game, particularly the critical role that a quality bullpen plays in a team's success, I can offer a comprehensive analysis of the article you provided. My extensive knowledge of the sport, coupled with a keen eye for player performance and team dynamics, allows me to provide insights that go beyond the surface.
In the context of the article discussing the Boston Red Sox's need to reinforce their bullpen for the 2023 season, it's evident that the team faced significant challenges in 2022 due to bullpen struggles. The statistics mentioned, such as the team's low ranking in ERA and high number of blown saves, underscore the importance of addressing this issue in the upcoming offseason.
Now, let's delve into the key relief pitchers highlighted in the article:
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Edwin Diaz (RHP, Age: 29):
- The article emphasizes Diaz's exceptional performance in 2022, characterizing him as one of the most electrifying relievers in baseball. The mention of his entrance song suggests a fan-favorite status.
- Diaz's impressive career-best 1.28 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, and 29 saves showcase his reliability and effectiveness in closing out games.
- The update notes his record-breaking five-year, $102 million contract with the Mets, indicating high demand and recognition of his elite status.
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Kenley Jansen (RHP, Age: 35):
- Jansen's mixed performance in his first season with the Atlanta Braves is acknowledged, but his league-leading 32 saves and a 3.19 FIP demonstrate his ability to make a significant impact.
- The article acknowledges that Jansen may no longer be among the game's elite but highlights his potential to bring a valuable boost to a bullpen.
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Aroldis Chapman (LHP, Age: 35):
- Chapman's past dominance is recognized, but his 2022 season, marked by a 4.70 ERA and 1.44 WHIP, indicates a decline in performance.
- Injuries, including Achilles and leg issues, are mentioned as factors affecting Chapman's season, emphasizing the importance of considering his health in evaluating his potential contribution.
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Craig Kimbrel (RHP, Age: 35):
- Similar to Chapman, Kimbrel's status as a former dominant closer is acknowledged, but his recent performance with the Los Angeles Dodgers (3.88 ERA, 1.40 WHIP) suggests a decline.
- The article notes Kimbrel's track record, indicating that despite recent struggles, he remains a sought-after option in the free-agent market.
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Taylor Rogers (LHP, Age: 32):
- Rogers had a challenging season, struggling with the San Diego Padres and experiencing continued difficulties after being traded to the Milwaukee Brewers.
- Despite the down year, the article highlights Rogers' potential, describing him as one of the most coveted relievers in free agency based on his previous All-Star status and impressive skills.
In conclusion, the article provides a well-informed overview of the top relief pitchers available in the free-agent market, offering valuable insights for the Boston Red Sox and other MLB teams seeking to enhance their bullpens for the 2023 season.
