Boston Red Sox Pursuing Astros Star Reliever in Free Agency

The Houston Astros' bullpen unit will look much different this season than in years past.

Familiar faces that have come onto the field to close out games are floating around in free agency or have found their new homes. Josh Hader will also be featured for the Astros, something that seemed like a pipe dream at the beginning of the winter.

Despite their production, it seemed like Houston wasn't interested in a reunion with any of their three pitchers who hit the open market this offseason.

Because of the track record that their bullpen has had, the Astros had to figure these players would generate interest from other clubs.

So, it should be no surprise that Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, is reporting the Boston Red Sox are pursuing one of Houston's former star relievers.

"Boston continues to be in touch with free agents and has been in recent touch with right-handers Jakob Junis and Ryne Stanek, among others, according to industry sources," he writes.

Ryne Stanek has been a staple out of the bullpen since coming over from the Tampa Bay Rays.

He's appeared in 186 games over a three-year span and recorded an ERA of 2.90 and ERA+ of 142.

The right-hander will be 32 years old during the upcoming season and should still have plenty of good innings left for the next team he joins.

Cotillo does note the back-end of the Red Sox's bullpen unit is already fairly full, so he's unsure if something will get done, but with options dwindling down as free agency comes to a close, they might view Stanek as necessary.

Either way, it looks like the former Astros star will find himself a new home, barring something unforeseen.