According to Insider, the Red Sox are unlikely to pursue the marquee free agent reliever

After the Boston Red Sox's memorable bullpen collapse in 2024, it's never too early to start thinking about how Boston will attempt to shut out games next season.

The Red Sox bullpen had an incredible 21 blown saves in the second half and appears closer to losing Kenley Jansen to free agency. Reliable setup man Chris Martin is also a free agent, so Boston's cupboard could be bare as it tries to rebuild a respectable bullpen.

The Red Sox have some interesting options internally. Former two-time reliever of the year Liam Hendriks should be fully recovered from Tommy John surgery, and 2024 rookie Justin Slaten has had better results this year in good health.

However, given Hendriks' uncertain recovery and Slaten's inexperience, it's worth wondering whether the Red Sox might want to bid on top free-agent closers — Carlos Estévez of the Philadelphia Phillies or Tanner Scott of the Sans, for example Diego Padres.

It seems like we already have our answer on this. Insider Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic said Wednesday that the Red Sox would be more likely to spend big on starters rather than replacements.

“Philadelphia's Carlos Estévez and Jeff Hoffman are considered two of the most coveted free agent relievers, and it's more likely that the Red Sox will focus their resources on the rotation rather than outbidding another team for a reliever,” McCaffrey said. “Trade is also considered part of the solution.”

If Boston has to choose between spending on starters and backup players, it makes perfect sense to prioritize the rotation. A major cause of the bullpen's woes has been the inability of starters to work deep into games over the summer, and replacements tend to be easier to find within the organization.

Still, Red Sox fans probably wouldn't complain if Craig Breslow and the front office changed their minds and pursued one of the prominent bullpen free agents. Nothing hurts more than missing games late, and Boston has done way too much of it in recent years.

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