Why Garrett Whitlock, Justin Slaten could hold key to bullpen’s success

The Red Sox bullpen is going to look a whole lot different in 2025, but after a catastrophic collapse down the stretch it should be better equipped to handle the rigors of a full season.

With two outside additions and two key arms set to return from injury, the Red Sox go into the new year with a core of five relievers along with a deep pool of arms who will likely cycle back and forth between Boston and Worcester. Given that the Red Sox are expected to carry six starting pitchers — meaning one fewer bullpen spot — the club will have to lean on that depth while also heavily emphasizing relievers who can pitch multiple innings at a time.

So who’s a lock, who could compete for the closer spot and who faces the toughest competition heading into camp? Here’s a look at how the Red Sox bullpen stands today.

Veteran relievers

Liam Hendriks

After spending 2024 completing his recovery from Tommy John surgery, Hendriks is expected to make his Red Sox debut this spring. A three-time All-Star, Hendriks is one of Boston’s most accomplished relievers and figures to be the favorite to earn the closer job out of camp, but after two years lost to cancer and elbow surgery, it remains to be seen if Hendriks can still be the same guy who recorded 37 saves for the White Sox in 2022.

Aroldis Chapman

One of Boston’s first offseason signings, the 36-year-old Chapman has recorded 335 career saves but has mainly pitched as a set-up man over the past few seasons. The left-hander remains one of the hardest throwers in the game and figures to give the Red Sox the kind of late-inning heat the bullpen has lacked in recent years. He will also be a candidate to close if Hendriks struggles in camp.

Justin Wilson

A 37-year-old left-hander, Wilson boasts an average fastball velocity of 95.5 mph and a chase rate that ranks 95th percentile in MLB. He’s also good at avoiding walks, and while his numbers in Cincinnati last year weren’t great (5.59 ERA in 46.2 innings), the Red Sox believe he still has the tools to be an effective left-handed weapon if used correctly.

Multi-inning weapons

Garrett Whitlock

With the Red Sox expected to carry six starting pitchers, the club will have to make do with one fewer bullpen spot. That will make guys like Whitlock essential, as their ability to pitch multiple innings in high-leverage situations will both take pressure off the other relievers and open other possibilities for Alex Cora. Whitlock has already thrived in this role, and if he can stay healthy he could prove to be the key to the whole group’s success.

Justin Slaten

Like Whitlock, Slaten is a former Rule 5 pick who immediately thrived upon his arrival in Boston. Last year Slaten was arguably the most important member of the bullpen and as soon as he went down in July the whole group fell apart. Slaten could be a contender for the closer job, but more likely he’ll serve a similar role as Whitlock, giving the club two multi-inning weapons who can help make up for the club’s comparative lack of numbers.

Optionable depth

Greg Weissert

Besides having guys who can pitch multiple innings in close games, the Red Sox can also make up for having one fewer bullpen spot by leaning on their deep pool of relievers who can bounce back and forth from Triple-A. One of the favorites to make the Opening Day roster from this group should be Weissert, who finished last season with 17 consecutive appearances without allowing an earned run.

Luis Guerrero

Guerrero was fantastic following his September promotion, going nine straight appearances without allowing an earned run. The rookie right-hander boasts a 97.5 mph fastball and should be another top contender to start the season on the Opening Day roster.

Cooper Criswell

Criswell was quietly one of the MVPs of the Red Sox staff last season, pitching effectively both as the club’s No. 5 starter and as a bulk reliever. Criswell probably won’t be relied upon to start this year, but his ability to pitch multiple innings while bouncing back and forth between Boston and Worcester will make him invaluable.

Zack Kelly

Kelly boasts overpowering stuff and at times was among Boston’s most dominant relievers, but he’s also struggled with consistency. When Kelly is good, he’s one of the best pitchers the Red Sox have, but whether or not he can avoid the occasional meltdown will determine how big a role he ultimately plays.

Brennan Bernardino

Boston’s top left-hander over the past two seasons, Bernardino will face stiffer competition with Chapman and Wilson both on the roster but could still provide valuable lefty depth.

Josh Winckowski

Two years ago Winckowski delivered a terrific season pitching in the same kind of multi-inning role as Whitlock and Slaten are expected to occupy, and given his versatility and proven track record of success, it’s a good bet he’ll have a part to play for the Red Sox whether he starts the season in the majors or not.

Zach Penrod

Another late-season call-up, Penrod gives the Red Sox an additional lefty option who can pitch multiple innings and hit 95 mph on the radar gun.

Chris Murphy

The 26-year-old lefty is still recovering from Tommy John surgery and won’t be ready for the start of the season, but could potentially return sometime in the second half.

Non-roster competitors

In addition to those on the 40-man roster, the Red Sox are expected to have 12 non-roster pitchers in big league camp. The most intriguing of that group is Michael Fulmer, a former Rookie of the Year winner who is completing his recovery from elbow surgery and could factor in as a multi-inning option.

Other names to watch include Jovani Moran, who was recently acquired from the Twins in exchange for Mickey Gasper, along with Middleborough native Sean Newcomb, Robert Stock, Austin Adams, Noah Davis and Yovanny Cruz, all of whom signed this winter on minor league deals. Isaiah Campbell, who started last season in the Opening Day bullpen, will compete for a spot as well, as will Wyatt Mills and former top prospect Bryan Mata, each of whom has missed significant time due to injury over the past two years.

Brian Van Belle and Jacob Webb, each of whom finished last season at Triple-A Worcester, round out the non-roster invitees. Even if none are likely to make the Opening Day roster, all could conceivably emerge as depth options if the need arises.

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