The Boston Red Sox have kicked off their 2025 offseason by signing veteran left-handed reliever. While the team has yet to make any blockbuster additions, this move addresses a glaring weakness in their bullpen, which struggled mightily during the second half of the 2024 season. Following the All-Star break, Boston’s bullpen ranked last in all major pitching categories and was particularly short on reliable left-handed options. A revolving door of pitchers shuttled between the majors and Triple-A underscored the need for a more stable solution.
Wilson, a 12-year MLB veteran, spent the 2024 season with the Cincinnati Reds, posting a 5.59 ERA across 60 appearances. Despite the inflated ERA, he demonstrated strong strikeout potential, fanning 51 batters over 46 2/3 innings. His repertoire includes a four-seam fastball, slider, and cutter, and his 95th percentile chase rate in 2024 highlights his ability to induce swings on pitches out of the zone. Advanced metrics suggest he may have been a victim of bad luck last season, with his expected wOBA lower than his actual wOBA.
The Red Sox signed Wilson to a one-year deal worth $2.25 million in base salary, with up to $750,000 in performance bonuses. At 37, he’s not a long-term solution but offers valuable experience and depth to a bullpen in need of improvement. The team is expected to continue bolstering its relief corps and may pursue top left-handed free agent Tanner Scott, signaling that Wilson’s signing is only the beginning of their offseason plans.
This move is seen as low-risk for Boston, adding a veteran presence to one of the league’s most beleaguered bullpens. Wilson’s strikeout ability provides hope that, with proper coaching and adjustments, he could be more effective in 2025. Though not expected to be a cornerstone reliever, his potential to harness his strikeout stuff could make him a key contributor throughout the season.
While such acquisitions often fly under the radar during the offseason, they can make a significant impact as the year progresses. Red Sox fans may not know much about Wilson now, but if he can improve his performance, he could become a crucial asset, particularly in the latter stages of the season when bullpen depth is critical. If the Red Sox can unlock his potential, Wilson could play an important role in fortifying their pitching staff for the upcoming campaign.
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