Red Sox Could Consider This Pitcher Reunion To Bolster Bullpen

It wouldn’t hurt the Boston Red Sox to add one more arm to the bullpen, and they could seek out the most controversial team of the offseason as a trade partner.

The Los Angeles Dodgers seemingly signed all the big names of free agency. From mega deals for Blake Snell to international signings like Roki Sasaki, Dave Roberts’ side threw their money and influence around. LA wasn’t done after locking up deals with Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates, the top relievers on the market.

Boston was linked to the pair of pitchers but nothing materialized. However, with all of the additions the Dodgers made, it left them with key decisions to make. They need to make room for their big signings on the 40-man roster and are gauging interest in Ryan Braiser, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. The right-hander is owed $4.5 million.

Could a reunion with the Red Sox be possible?

Braiser spent the majority of his big league career with Boston. He helped them win the World Series in 2018, but his production dipped in his final years at Fenway Park. The Red Sox designated him for assignment where he was picked up by Los Angeles. He underwent a resurgence and was relied upon in the postseason being utilized as an opener in bullpen games.

Notably in 2024, Braiser relied on his slider 42.4% of the time and lowered his fastball usage to 29.4%, per Baseball Savant. That might be due to the 37-year-old not getting the same velocity on his fastball he did before. However, that pitching mix could be something for Andrew Bailey and his staff to work with.

Alex Cora is a huge fan of Braiser, and if the Red Sox want to add bullpen depth, he wouldn’t be a bad option to consider.