In the shortened 2020 season, the 2018 world champion Boston Red Sox had a disappointing season from almost all perspectives. The perennial playoff contenders finished last in the American League east for the first time since 2015, compiling less wins than the Baltimore orioles, who have gone 101-223 in the previous two seasons. The cause of this drop off could not be more clear, pitching.
Although the Red Sox offensive production was not the same in the 2020 season, the Sox were still able to finish the season with a .265 batting average (3rd in MLB, 1st in AL) while also hitting 81 home runs (12th in MLB, 6th in AL) and driving in 278 runs (11th in MLB, 5th in AL). You would think that this kind of production would at least warrant a somewhat competitive ball club, but the Sox pitching staff was unable to make this happen in the COVID-19 season.
Boston has experienced problems with their pitching staff for the past two seasons, mixing and matching a variety of different caliber arms in order to make a playoff push. In 2020, the Red Sox had a measly 5.58 ERA (28th in MLB, 14th in AL), gave up 98 home runs (most in MLB), and were unable to get one complete game from a starting pitcher. This inability to get quality innings from the starting rotation, led to the Sox bullpen having to pitch the most innings in the league with 278 innings pitched.
They finishing with a 5.79 ERA, which was the fourth worst in the league, while also saving 14 games to their blown 11. It is clear that in order to win games in this day in age, pitching must play a vital role in keeping the game close. Without this, teams like the Rays and the Athletics, two of the best bullpen teams in the majors, would not have even made the playoffs let alone making it to the World Series, in the Rays case. Alex Cora has some serious work to do.
With all this being said, it is obvious that the Red Sox either need to address these problems to make another push at the AL East crown, or rebuild the team for the future. Due to the fact that the Red Sox front office just signed veteran right-hander Matt Andriese to a one-year 2.5 million dollar deal with a 2022 club option, and power hitting outfielder Hunter Renfroe to a similar one-year 3.1 million dollar deal, it seems that the organization is retooling rather than rebuilding. It seems as if the Red Sox are now content with their rotation in adding Andriese and also seem excited about the transition from the defense-oriented Jackie Bradley Jr. to offensive-minded Renfroe.
The latest additions by the Red Sox front office may prove influential, and yet nothing has been done to improve the bullpen. As it stands right now, Matt Barnes is slated as the opening day closer with Josh Taylor, Ryan Brasier, Darwinzon Hernandez, Austin Brice, and Colten Brewer eating up the rest of the relief innings. Although Barnes has shown flashes of being a dominating back end arm, he has not shown the same success in the closer role. In the past three seasons Barnes has converted 13 saves, while blowing 15 saves.
It does not take much baseball knowledge to understand that his lack of consistency in closing out games is not helping the Red Sox chances for October baseball. With that being said, what can the Red Sox do to solve this problem? We will look at some of the possible additions to help solidify the Sox bullpen and get them back in the World Series hunt.
Liam Hendricks
If the Red Sox are truly trying to win now, Hendricks is the perfect fit for Boston. The Red Sox have not had a hard throwing, power closer since Craig Kimbrel’s departure from Boston after the 2018 season. Is it a coincidence that they have not made the playoffs since then? I think not.
The 31 year old Hendricks would absolutely secure the closer role immediately, allowing for Matt Barnes to thrive as a set up man, as he has throughout his career. In the past two seasons with the Athletics, Hendricks has posted a 1.79 ERA to go along with 161 strikeouts to 24 walks over 110 1/3 innings, all while compiling 39 saves. This extreme production is somewhat surprising coming from someone who had to fight his way in the MLB after pitching in Australian pro ball for years. Be that as it may, Hendricks is the cream of the crop in this years relief pitching free agency.
The right handers pitch repertoire includes a heavy 97mph fastball to go along with a hard slider, 12-6 curveball, circle change-up, and a 91mph sinker. Hendricks attacks hitters in the upper part of the zone with his fastball that looks like it rises out of the hand. Complementing this with his secondary pitches, makes him one of the hardest pitchers to get good barrel on.
In looking at this, many would wonder why the Oakland Athletics would not give this guy a contract extension. In answering this, it is what it is. Unsurprisingly, the A’s are always reluctant to extend qualifying offers to their big name players. If you are wondering why this is the case, go ahead and watch the film Moneyball and all your questions will be answered. Anyway, the Oakland A’s loss could be the Boston Red Sox’ win.
Brad Hand
Lets say the Red Sox, for whatever reason, do not want to acquire Liam Hendricks, the next man up is former Cleveland Indians closer Brad Hand. When it comes to closing out big games, the list of players you would rather “Hand” the ball to is short, pun intended.
All jokes aside, the former all-star and American League Reliever of the Year award finalist has been nothing but efficient during his time in Cleveland. In the past 3 seasons (traded to CLE in 2018), the 30 year old supports an ERA below 3.00, while also converting 82 saves in 94 opportunities.
It is not shocking that the Indians decided to let go one of the best closers in the league due to the current state of their team and their current rebuild. With that being said, Hand was placed on outright waivers by the Indians and in result, all other 29 major league teams passed on Hand and his 10 million dollar option. In looking at this, it can be seen that the other organizations in the league exercised caution when deciding to take on his contract. This fact could lead to Hand’s value in the free agent market to decrease, allowing the Red Sox to possibly acquire a somewhat more affordable top end closer.
I know for a fact that Sox fans would be ecstatic with this signing due to his resemblance to the type of pitcher Andrew Miller was for the Sox. I know that I would love to see Brad Hand dominate the 2021 playoffs with his wipe out slider, just as Miller did in 2016.
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