The Boston Red Sox should consider moving swiftly as the relief pitching market is rapidly becoming limited.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are said to have acquired a top reliever in free agency this week by signing Tanner Scott, whom the Red Sox were considering, and are close to securing another in Kirby Yates.
This leaves the Red Sox with few premium bullpen options to consider. They might pursue Carlos Estévez, a 32-year-old right-handed pitcher who made the All-Star team with the Los Angeles Angels in 2023, recording a 2.45 ERA alongside 26 saves and a 0.909 WHIP during his time with the Angels and the Philadelphia Phillies last year.
However, following a report from Chris Cotillo of MassLive on Wednesday night, it appears that the Red Sox’s efforts to sign Estévez are unlikely.
“According to Cotillo on the X platform, the Red Sox have ‘inquired but are not serious’ as of this morning.”
The Red Sox would need to surpass several teams if they aimed to sign Estévez. Reports indicate that the Cincinnati Reds, Toronto Blue Jays, and Chicago Cubs are all pursuing the seasoned reliever.
Estévez began his big-league career with the Colorado Rockies on a mediocre note and did not pitch in the majors in 2018 because of injuries to his elbow and oblique. He hit his peak during the last three seasons and has accumulated a total of 57 saves over the past two seasons.
However, the Red Sox might be exploring other possibilities even as choices decrease. David Robertson is arguably the top reliever in free agency, but at 39 years old, he is well beyond his prime. Boston might also consider looking into the trade market to enhance its bullpen.
No matter the path they choose, it seems the Red Sox are still missing a component in their bullpen with spring training beginning in three weeks.
