Red Sox Should Sign Two-Time All-Star Closer After Down Season

The Boston Red Sox traded away pitchers Luis Guerrero, Chris Murphy and Brennan Berardino this week. Boston also non-tendered Josh Winckowski. That’s four relivers who saw time with the team last season who will not be back.

On Nov. 13, The Athletic revealed that Boston is open to the idea of adding a high-leverage reliever to build a “super bullpen.” After moving on from so many relievers, the Red Sox will need to reload the bullpen regardless. Ryan Helsley could be a solid option for the Red Sox.

Helsley is a two-time All-Star and was named National League Reliever of the Year in 2024. Last season, he had just a 4.50 ERA and was traded to the New York Mets at the trade deadline. He had a 3.00 ERA for the St. Louis Cardinals, but a 7.20 ERA for the Mets.

Helsley was reportedly tipping pitches and was never able to get into a rhythm with the Mets. He is now a free agent and is a strong bounce-back candidate. He could be cheaper than many expected a year ago after his down season.

The Red Sox could try landing him on a short-term deal with a club option as he looks to rebuild some value. In 2024, he led all of baseball in saves and had a 2.04 ERA. From 2022 to 2024, he had a 1.83 ERA and 82 saves.

The Red Sox already have a closer, Aroldis Chapman, who they recently gave an extension to. However, adding Helsley could give the Red Sox two closers to deploy at the end of games, thus helping create the “super bullpen” they are open to.

If Red Sox coaches can identify Helsley’s issues and get him back on track, he and Chapman could essentially slam the door on games starting in the eighth inning. Helsley’s fastball velocity still ranks in the 99th percentile, according to Baseball Savant. His breaking pitch run value was in the 93rd percentile. He still has the stuff to be elite, and may just need a change of scenery.