Since Boston decided not to sell at the trade deadline this season, a number of Sox players may be hitting free agency this winter. With the majority of their free agency departures coming from an already thin pitching staff, the Sox will need to make significant additions during the offseason.
Although all four of these Red Sox had good runs with the team, given the team’s requirements and recent spending patterns, it’s unlikely that any of them will make a comeback.
Kenley Jansen
Trade rumors and conjecture plagued Kenley Jansen’s second season with the Red Sox. Despite everything, the closer persisted and had yet another fantastic season during his 15-year, probably Hall of Fame career.
Jansen finished the season with a 3.29 ERA, recording 62 strikeouts and 20 walks over 54.2 innings with the Red Sox. In 2023, he had a 3.63 ERA in 10 fewer innings, earning an All-Star selection. Unfortunately, his time in Boston was cut short when he was placed on the 10-day injured list with six games remaining.
The Red Sox expressed strong interest in trading Jansen and his $16 million salary this year, but they couldn’t find a taker. With Boston’s front office adopting a more budget-conscious approach, Jansen’s contract may be too high for them. He also indicated a desire to play for another team next season, leaving the Red Sox before the end of the season.
Jansen has shared his aspiration to compete for a championship, and the Red Sox have not been contenders since 2018. While he likely has a few more seasons left before retirement, he has expressed a wish to end his career in Dodger blue.
Nick Pivetta
Based on statistics, Nick Pivetta has been Boston’s most dependable starter since 2020. Pivetta has generally been there for the Sox when and wherever they have needed him, despite some patchy performances. Since the 2020 season, he has led the team in innings pitched, but after the 2024 season, he will undoubtedly be gone.
Being a staple in Alex Cora’s lineup shuffle, Pivetta has been a member of the Red Sox since the season was cut short due to the pandemic. Cora could transfer the righty to the bullpen with confidence when he faltered in the rotation, and vice versa. Over 145.2 innings, Pivetta recorded a 4.14 ERA with 172 strikeouts and 36 walks. During his four and a half seasons with the team, he has pitched to a 4.29 ERA.
Left-handed pitchers are hard to come by in Boston, and with Pivetta under contract, there wouldn’t be much space to add one when Lucas Giolito returns to the field the following season. He has been a mainstay for the Red Sox for the previous few seasons, and following what might have been his last start in Boston, he was obviously upset. During his post-game press conference, he stated that he’s settled into the Boston region and that he would be open to signing a new deal with the Red Sox, but the team is probably going to move on.
Tyler O’Neill
Tyler O’Neill had a strong season with the Red Sox, marking a rebound in his performance. The 29-year-old outfielder played the most games in a season since 2021, the year he received MVP votes with the St. Louis Cardinals.
O’Neill provided the much-needed power for the Sox, hitting .241/.336/.511 with an .847 OPS over 113 games. He found his home run swing at Fenway Park, finishing the season with 31 homers—just three shy of his career high from 2021.
For the most part, O’Neill managed to stay healthier than he had been in St. Louis, though he did face some injuries, primarily from unusual incidents like a collision with Rafael Devers in April and a leg infection in August. However, playing time was still limited due to a crowded outfield that included Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Rob Refsnyder.
O’Neill has expressed interest in returning to the Red Sox, and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow mentioned he would be open to discussions about re-signing him. However, with Refsnyder likely returning, Rafaela expected to be a regular starter, and Roman Anthony potentially ready for the majors by Opening Day 2025, the outfield situation may become even more congested, leaving O’Neill’s future with the team uncertain.
Luis García
One of Boston’s trade deadline signings that didn’t go as expected was the trade for Luis García. Prior to the trade, he pitched brilliantly for the Angels, but all of his momentum was gone when he joined the Sox.
Prior to the trade, García had a 2.76 ERA in his last 15 games with the Angels. Before spending little less than a month on the disabled list, he pitched 10.2 innings for the Sox and recorded a 10.13 ERA. Since his comeback on September 22, García has been dominant, giving up only one run in four innings.
García is an impending free agent and Boston’s bullpen will need reinforcements before the start of next season, but the Sox haven’t seen much from the 37-year-old in his short, healthy tenure with the team. Both sides will likely move on this winter.
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