REPORT: Red Sox Move Bullpen for Future Hall of Fame 3-Time Cy Young Starter
After enduring their worst post-All-Star break bullpen meltdown in team history—one that cost them a playoff opportunity—the Boston Red Sox are still on the hunt for relief pitchers, even with spring training just two weeks away. According to a NESN writer, the team might have its eye on a potential solution: a future Hall of Fame starting pitcher.
Max Scherzer, who signed a three-year, $150 million contract with the New York Mets before the 2022 season, is now a free agent. The 40-year-old, three-time Cy Young Award winner struggled last season, seeing his contract end on a low note. After being traded to the Texas Rangers midway through 2023, injuries limited him to just 43 1/3 innings over nine starts in 2024, a career-low.
Despite these setbacks, Scherzer remains confident in his ability to pitch at a “high level.” Earlier this week, he showcased his skills in a bullpen session for scouts from at least eight teams at Cressey Sports Performance in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. According to SI.com’s Pat Ragazzo, the Red Sox were among those in attendance.
But with the Red Sox’s starting rotation seemingly set—thanks to offseason acquisitions like Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler—what would they do with Scherzer in his 18th MLB season?
NESN’s Tim Crowley speculated about the possibility of Scherzer transitioning to a relief role, citing his limited but impressive bullpen experience. “Scherzer’s fastball still has some life, but he’s not the perennial All-Star he once was,” Crowley wrote. “Why not utilize him as a reliever where he can let it fly in shorter stints? He has a 2.57 career ERA in 19 relief innings and famously closed out the 2021 NLDS against the Giants.”
The Red Sox could use the help, as their projected closer, Liam Hendriks, has been sidelined since June 2023 following a battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Tommy John surgery. Scherzer’s power-pitching style—evidenced by his 3,407 career strikeouts, ranking 11th all-time—fits the mold of a traditional closer.
However, the question remains: Would Scherzer accept a bullpen role? Given that many teams are likely to offer him opportunities in their starting rotations, Boston’s chances of signing Scherzer as a reliever might be slim.