Bold statement: Even with the top‑tier targets in sight, the Red Sox still face a quieter, but crucial, challenge in the middle of the bullpen—and filling that gap could unlock the rest of the plan. And this is where the story gets interesting.
Boston’s offseason ambitions have been laid out clearly. Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has publicly signaled a desire to add a true No. 1 or two starter, along with a middle‑of‑the‑order thump in the lineup. Yet, a sneaky need lurks beneath the more glamorous goals: a dependable reliever who can shoulder late‑inning pressure is missing, and the options have grown thin.
So far, the moves that have shaped the rotation look like a legitimate bid to punch above their weight. Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo have been brought aboard to compete for spots at the top of the rotation, and high‑upside bats such as Alex Bregman, Pete Alonso, and Kyle Schwarber have drawn public interest as potential anchors in the heart of Boston’s lineup. Still, the bullpen’s late‑inning stability remains unsettled. Aroldis Chapman and Garrett Whitlock could use another trusted arm to guide through the final frames, and the supply of viable candidates has contractually tightened in recent weeks.
In the latest context, a trio of recent signings outside Boston’s direct reach has altered the landscape: Devin Williams joined the Mets, Ryan Helsley landed with the Orioles, and Raisel Iglesias along with Emilio Pagán were retained by the Braves and Reds respectively. With those possibilities largely off the board, The Boston Globe’s Peter Abraham floated a low‑profile alternative in his weekend notes column.
The proposed option? Drew Pomeranz—a veteran left‑hander known for delivering consistency in high‑leverage moments. At 37, Pomeranz carries the history of a three‑year runway with Boston, where he evolved from a traditional starter to a bullpen contributor, culminating in a notable but unique World Series absence in 2018. After a stretch away from the game, he resurfaced with the Chicago Cubs in 2025, posting a 2.17 ERA, 1.067 WHIP, and 57 strikeouts across 57 appearances while tallying a 2‑2 record.
If Pomeranz were to join, it could provide exactly the stability Boston needs to bridge the middle innings and free up other pieces for higher‑leverage situations later in games. It’s a clear example of how the most impactful additions aren’t always headline‑grabbers; they’re the workmanlike cogs that make the entire machine run more smoothly.
Would this reunion work for Boston, or would other paths—perhaps a younger, cheaper reliever with upside—be preferable? Share your take in the comments and weigh in on whether a veteran, trusted lefty or a developmental gamble should lead off the ‘hidden’ bullpen purge. And if you’re curious about the broader strategy, what’s the most underrated facet of building a balanced pitching staff—durability, versatility, or bullpen chemistry? Join the conversation and state your case.
About the Author
Keagan Stiefel is a Boston-based editorial writer with a penchant for NFL Draft debates and a noted interest in baseball depth charts. Follow his work for more takes and updates on the Red Sox.
Note: This piece preserves the core information about Boston’s offseason ambitions, the rotation and lineup targets, the bullpen gap, and the proposed former Red Sox contributor as a potential veteran fill, while rephrasing and expanding for clarity and accessibility.
