The Boston Red Sox already have bolstered their bullpen by adding lefties Aroldis Chapman and Justin Wilson. And they reportedly are one of the top suitors for star free agent Tanner Scott.
However, a new report indicates the Red Sox also are interested in a handful of other relievers that, while not as well-known as Chapman and Scott, still would qualify as notable additions.
On Monday, MassLive’s Chris Cotillo reported the Red Sox have shown interest in relievers A.J. Minter, Tommy Kahnle, Andrew Kittredge, Carlos Estévez and Jeff Hoffman.
Of the five, Minter arguably is the most intriguing, although his recent injury history is concerning.
“Minter is a unique free agent case because he has been one of the best lefty relievers in baseball in recent years but underwent season-ending hip surgery and may not be ready for Opening Day,” Cotillo wrote. “The Red Sox are interested here, and have had multiple conversations with the longtime Brave.”
Cotillo also noted that Boston’s pursuit of Hoffman could hinge on whether the righty prefers being a starter.
“Hoffman had a stellar two seasons with Philadelphia and is probably the best righty out there,” Cotillo wrote. “The Red Sox have stayed in touch with his camp. Like (Clay) Holmes, some teams have designs on him starting. If he’s interested in that, the Red Sox probably aren’t the best fit. In a late-innings role, he’d make a lot of sense.”
The Red Sox bullpen currently is led by Chapman, Wilson, Justin Slaten, Luis Guerrero, Garrett Whitlock, and Liam Hendriks, among others. They currently don’t have an established closer, though Guerrero, Hendriks, and Slaten are viewed as candidates for the role with Chapman also providing closing experience.
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