The Boston Red Sox have made significant strides in improving their starting rotation this offseason, acquiring former Chicago White Sox left-handed ace Garrett Crochet via trade and signing two-time World Series champion Walker Buehler, a free agent from the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Additionally, Boston’s chief of baseball operations, Craig Breslow, has strengthened the bullpen by bringing in flamethrower Aroldis Chapman and lefty Justin Wilson, a free agent from the Cincinnati Reds.
However, one key role remains unaddressed by Breslow and the Red Sox—the closer’s position.
Red Sox Have No Set Closer So Far
Chapman has shown he can handle the closer role before. Early in his 15-year career, he posted consecutive 38-save seasons with the Reds, and as recently as 2021, he tallied 30 saves with the Yankees. However, his control issues—evidenced by 393 career walks, averaging more than one per two innings pitched—have made the 36-year-old Cuban unreliable in save situations.
The Red Sox also have Justin Slaten, a 26-year-old rookie in 2024 who primarily served as a setup man for former closer Kenley Jansen. Additionally, Liam Hendriks is on the roster. The 36-year-old Australian led the league with 38 saves for the White Sox in 2021 and followed it up with 37 in 2022. Unfortunately, Hendriks has struggled with injuries, including Tommy John surgery in 2024, and his recovery was cut short by a forearm issue in September.
Given these uncertainties, the Red Sox and Craig Breslow are still searching for a reliable closer. According to a report on Monday by former Reds and Nationals GM Jim Bowden, their top target appears to be 30-year-old Tanner Scott. The eight-year veteran notched 22 saves last season while splitting time between the Marlins and Padres.
‘Clear Front-Runners ‘ For Top Closer on the Market
In an article for The Athletic, Bowden noted, “The most impactful closer on the market remains unsigned, with teams showing interest but waiting for his asking price to drop. The Red Sox are the clear favorites to land Scott. Red Sox manager Alex Cora prefers a single closer, and Scott is the best option available.”
Scott earned $5.7 million last season on a one-year deal with the Marlins before being traded to San Diego at the deadline. However, Spotrac estimates his market value significantly higher, projecting a potential $65.6 million contract over four years.
The Red Sox benefited from reliable closer performances by Jansen during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, with him converting 56 of 64 save opportunities. However, while Scott’s 22 saves last season fell short of Jansen’s total, he excelled in key metrics.
Scott posted a 1.75 ERA, nearly half of Jansen’s 3.29 ERA, and displayed greater durability, pitching 72 innings across 72 games compared to Jansen’s 54 2/3 innings in 54 appearances. Scott’s 28.6% strikeout rate slightly edged out Jansen’s 28.4%. Drafted in the sixth round by the Orioles in 2014, Scott also earned his first All-Star nod in the 2024 season.
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