Red Sox Reportedly May Sign Bullpen Help; Should Club Sign Ex-Yankees Star?
The Boston Red Sox are set to kick off the 2023 season on March 30, but that doesn't mean they are done making moves.
Boston was extremely busy Monday morning as it began to finalize the club's 26-man Opening Day roster. The Red Sox had to make some tough decisions -- that even involved sending a fan-favorite down to the minor leagues -- but there still is plenty of work for Boston to do.
The Red Sox made a specific effort this past offseason to improve the bullpen after having one of the worst in all of baseball in 2022. Boston made a plethora of moves, but has been bitten by the injury bug with Joely Rodriguez and Wyatt Mills both suffering ailments. With a spot on the roster, Boston reportedly is considering all options -- including signing an external option -- according to MassLive.com's Chris Cotillo.
Although Opening Day is on March 30, there still are some interesting relievers still available on the open market. The biggest name still available arguably is former Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees hurler Zack Britton.
The two-time All-Star has appeared in just 25 games over the last two seasons after undergoing Tommy John surgery but seemingly is healthy and ready for the 2023 season. Britton has pitched in multiple showcases to big leagues late in the offseason as well as throughout spring training but still is available.
Britton is coming off injuries and is 35 years old, but still could be a solid contributor for a big league club. When Britton was last healthy in 2020 he compiled a 1.89 ERA in 20 appearances. He was even more impressive in 2019 as he recorded a 1.91 ERA in 66 appearances for the rival Yankees.
At one point Britton was one of, if not the best relievers in all of baseball. He certainly isn't at that level any longer but still could be a solid left-handed option with upside. Boston could use another lefty with Rodriguez set to miss an extended period so a match makes sense.
Britton is a 12-year veteran and has spent his entire career in the American League East so he has plenty of experience on that front as well. With Opening Day on Thursday and Britton still available, he certainly won't cost whichever club that signs him much at all.
If Boston is looking externally for a new reliever, it should look no further than Britton.
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