MLB Free Agent Rankings: Top Five Relief Pitchers
As the Boston Red Sox gear up for the 2025 offseason, one of their most pressing needs is a significant overhaul of their bullpen. The 2024 season revealed glaring weaknesses, with the Red Sox bullpen finishing 24th in ERA (4.39) and 25th in WHIP (1.34). Additionally, they surrendered the sixth-most home runs in the league, totaling 80. With key veterans like Kenley Jansen and Chris Martin set to hit free agency, along with trade deadline acquisitions Lucas Sims and Luis Garcia, the Red Sox front office, led by chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, faces a critical task: transforming the team’s biggest liability into a formidable strength.
Fortunately, the upcoming free-agent market is brimming with talented relief pitchers. Here’s a closer look at the top five free-agent relief pitchers who could help reshape the Red Sox bullpen, along with some honorable mentions.
1. Tanner Scott, LHP
Age: 30
2024 Stats: 22 saves, 1.75 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 84 SO, 36 BB, 72 IP (72 games)
Tanner Scott is poised to be the most sought-after reliever this offseason, and for good reason. After an impressive season split between the Miami Marlins and the San Diego Padres, Scott earned his first All-Star nod in 2024. His hard-throwing left arm is complemented by elite strikeout capabilities, ranking in the 92nd percentile for whiff rate (32.7%). When batters do make contact, they struggle to hit the ball hard, as evidenced by his 100th percentile ranking in average exit velocity (84.3 mph).
For the Red Sox, Scott represents an ideal anchor for their bullpen. If Breslow and his team are ready to invest, Scott should be at the top of their wishlist.
2. Clay Holmes, RHP
Age: 32
2024 Stats: 30 saves, 3.14 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 68 SO, 22 BB, 63 IP (67 games)
Since joining the New York Yankees in 2021, Clay Holmes has established himself as one of the league’s premier relievers. Despite a down year in 2021, his overall track record speaks volumes. Holmes has consistently delivered strong performances, making him an attractive option for teams in need of a reliable late-inning arm. His experience and proven success should make him a priority for the Red Sox, especially if the Yankees do not prioritize re-signing him.
3. Jeff Hoffman, RHP
Age: 32
2024 Stats: 10 saves, 2.17 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 89 SO, 16 BB, 66.1 IP (68 games)
While Jeff Hoffman may not be a household name outside of Philadelphia, his performance over the last two seasons has been nothing short of remarkable. In 2024, he earned an All-Star selection and formed a formidable duo with closer Jose Alvarado in the Phillies’ bullpen. Hoffman’s impressive stats, including a 2.17 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP, showcase his ability to dominate hitters. As a late bloomer, he could be a valuable asset for the Red Sox, offering a blend of talent and potential at a reasonable price.
4. Carlos Estevez, RHP
Age: 32
2024 Stats: 26 saves, 2.45 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 50 SO, 12 BB, 55 IP (54 games)
Carlos Estevez made headlines this season after being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies from the Los Angeles Angels, where he had already posted impressive numbers. With a 2.45 ERA and a stellar 0.91 WHIP, Estevez has proven he can perform at a high level. While he may not command the same price tag as Scott, he does come with some risk, as 2024 was his breakout season. Nevertheless, Estevez could provide the Red Sox with much-needed depth and reliability in their bullpen.
5. Kenley Jansen, RHP
Age: 37
2024 Stats: 27 saves, 3.29 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 62 SO, 20 BB, 54.2 IP (54 games)
Kenley Jansen is a name that resonates with baseball fans, having spent the majority of his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers. After a season with the Red Sox, Jansen’s future seems to point back to Los Angeles, where he enjoyed significant success. Despite his age, Jansen remains one of the all-time great closers and still possesses the skills to contribute effectively. However, given the Red Sox’s current needs and Jansen’s likely return to the Dodgers, they may want to explore other options.
Honorable Mentions
In addition to the top five, several other relief pitchers could be valuable additions to the Red Sox bullpen. These include Blake Treinen, David Robertson, Aroldis Chapman, Chris Martin, Shawn Armstrong, Aaron Bummer, Dylan Floro, Kirby Yates, Jose Leclerc, Paul Sewald, Craig Kimbrel, and Emilio Pagan. Each of these players brings unique strengths and experiences that could help bolster the Red Sox’s pitching staff.
As the offseason approaches, the Red Sox have a critical opportunity to reshape their bullpen. With a mix of established stars and emerging talents available in free agency, the team has the chance to turn their greatest weakness into a competitive advantage for the 2025 season.