The Boston Red Sox have begun to steady themselves after what was undeniably a rough opening to the 2026 campaign. Sitting at 8–11 and occupying fourth place in the highly competitive American League East, the club has shown some signs of life following its early struggles. Still, despite this modest improvement, there are lingering concerns about certain areas of the roster that have yet to meet expectations. Perhaps the most unexpected issue has emerged within the bullpen, a unit that was widely viewed as a strength not too long ago.
Just a season ago, Boston’s relief corps stood at the top of the American League, setting the standard with its consistency, depth, and reliability in high-leverage situations. Fast forward to the present, however, and that same group has slipped significantly, now ranking eighth in the league.
While that ranking is not disastrous on its own, the drop-off is notable given the lofty benchmark the bullpen established in the previous year. More importantly, the eye test suggests inconsistency and vulnerability in key moments, which has only heightened concerns among observers and analysts.
There have been a couple of bright spots. Veteran flamethrower Aroldis Chapman has largely lived up to expectations, continuing to provide power and experience at the back end of games. Likewise, Garrett Whitlock has delivered solid performances for the most part, offering versatility and stability when called upon.
Outside of those two, though, the bullpen has struggled to find consistency. Several relievers have been unable to hold leads or effectively bridge the gap between the starting rotation and the late innings, creating a ripple effect that has contributed to the team’s uneven start.
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Because of these struggles, there has been growing discussion about potential solutions, both internally and externally. One intriguing idea gaining traction comes from Sports Illustrated writer Patrick McAvoy, who believes the Red Sox should look within their farm system for reinforcements.
Specifically, he has suggested that Boston consider promoting one of its more promising young arms, left-handed pitching prospect Jake Bennett, who is currently ranked as the organization’s No. 7 prospect.
Bennett has generated considerable excitement dating back to Spring Training, where he impressed evaluators with his electric fastball and overall upside. His ability to miss bats, combined with his composure on the mound, has made him one of the more talked-about young pitchers in the organization. McAvoy points out that, based on his current form, Bennett could already be among the more effective options in Boston’s bullpen if given the opportunity.
The suggestion is not simply about adding another arm; it’s about rethinking Bennett’s role to maximize his immediate impact. While he has been developing as a starter, transitioning him into a bullpen role particularly as a long reliever could provide the Red Sox with a valuable weapon. In that capacity, Bennett could cover multiple innings, stabilize games when starters exit early, and reduce the burden on a bullpen that has been stretched thin.
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Another factor working in favor of this potential move is the organization’s pitching depth at the Triple-A level. With players like Payton Tolle available as rotation depth, and Patrick Sandoval progressing in his recovery, the Red Sox may soon find themselves with a surplus of starting options in the minors.
Additionally, Kutter Crawford has been working his way back via a rehab assignment, though that process has temporarily been paused. If and when those pitchers are fully healthy and available, Boston could feel more comfortable shifting Bennett out of the rotation pipeline and into a relief role at the major league level.
Bennett’s performance so far in Triple-A has certainly strengthened the case for a promotion. Over the course of four starts, he has compiled a 2–1 record while posting an eye-popping 0.55 ERA. In 16 innings of work, he has struck out 13 batters and maintained a WHIP of just 0.61, indicating exceptional control and an ability to limit baserunners. Those numbers are not only impressive but also suggest that he may be ready for a bigger challenge.
Converting Bennett into a long reliever at the big-league level could be an ideal way to ease him into major league competition while simultaneously addressing a pressing need. Unlike traditional late-inning relievers who are often limited to one inning, a long reliever can provide flexibility, stepping in during a variety of scenarios from early exits by starters to extra-inning contests.
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Bennett’s background as a starter makes him particularly well-suited for this type of role, as he is already accustomed to handling multiple innings and managing his pitch mix over extended outings.
Beyond his potential contributions in relief, Bennett also offers an added layer of insurance as a possible spot starter. While the Red Sox already possess a fair amount of depth in their rotation, having a pitcher in the bullpen who can step into a starting role if necessary is always a valuable asset. Injuries, doubleheaders, and schedule quirks can all create situations where an extra starter is needed, and Bennett could fill that role without requiring a separate roster move.
From a strategic standpoint, promoting Bennett would represent a proactive approach by the Red Sox front office. Rather than waiting for the bullpen issues to worsen, the team could take decisive action by injecting fresh talent into the mix. It would also signal confidence in their player development system, showcasing a willingness to trust young players who have earned their opportunity through strong performance.
Of course, there are considerations to weigh. Transitioning a young pitcher from a starting role to the bullpen can have long-term implications for his development. The Red Sox would need to carefully manage Bennett’s workload and ensure that any role change aligns with their broader plans for his future. However, given the team’s current needs and Bennett’s apparent readiness, the potential benefits may outweigh the risks.
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Ultimately, the decision will come down to timing and necessity. If the bullpen continues to struggle or suffers further setbacks, the pressure to make a move will only intensify. In that scenario, Bennett could emerge as one of the most logical and impactful options available.
For now, all eyes remain on how the Red Sox choose to address their bullpen concerns in the coming weeks. If their recent improvement proves sustainable, they may opt to stay the course a bit longer. But if inconsistencies persist, calling up Jake Bennett could provide the spark they need to stabilize one of the most important areas of the roster.
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