The Red Sox currently require a reliable closer. But is their best option even a perfect fit? Well, that’s a million-dollar question—or an $18.75 million one, to be precise. The bullpen is in dire need of stability, and the Red Sox are actively exploring someone to take charge. But it’s just not that easy as it is on paper.
The BoSox fans have witnessed flashes of resilience from Garrett Whitlock. But the biggest problem is his availability, not his talent. Every time he seems to be ready to step up for the bigger role, injuries somehow get in the way. And the curiosities are currently hovering over if counting on him to be the Sox’s go-to closer is simply wishful thinking.
On the latest episode of The Red Sox Are a Threat, an insider laid it all out. “I don’t think Whitlock is capable of closing; I just don’t think he’s capable of staying healthy. He’s never proven that to us ever.” This assessment might seem harsh, but let’s face it, it’s a fair one. When he’s on the field, there is no shadow of doubt that he can get the job done. But the key word here is when.
Should the Red Sox really afford to strengthen their bullpen around someone they might not even have for a whole season? The speculations even go further. In recent years, Whitlock has been compared to Chris Sale. The one who is another player who hasn’t been able to keep up with health. The insider added, “I view Whitlock the same way I view Chris Sale since post-2019, where whatever I get from this guy is a bonus.” That sums up a lot. There was a time when Sale was the ace of the Red Sox, and then eventually he became an unpredictable asset. And presently, Whitlock seems to be going down a similar path.
The clear verdict here is, “I cannot in good conscience be like, ‘That’s the guy I see emerging as a Red Sox closer.” At this point, Boston requires somebody who can keep up with the health for the entire season. Moreover, they need somebody who can anchor the bullpen. Until then, Whitlock is more of a question mark than an answer.
Whitlock believes the bullpen shift will improve his durability in the Red Sox
After countless elbow injuries—Tommy John in 2019 and another one last year—Garrett Whitlock, the right-hander, has been seeking a way to sustain through the entire season. And now, according to him, moving to the bullpen will help him stay healthy.
While he was just getting better from internal brace surgery last September, he had a word with Alex Cora at Fenway Park. He told Cora that he wanted to be a full-time reliever. He believed that it would assist him to stay on the field. “I was telling him our bullpen needed some help… I was like, ‘Hey, put me down there and let me be your guy.’” Cora grinningly agreed, and the conviction was enough for him.
Whitlock’s decision wasn’t backed up by any medical data. It was his own experience that told him that he made the right move. Interestingly, whenever he has pitched out of the bullpen, he has bounced back faster and avoided long-term injuries. His stats need no further words—80 relief appearances, a 2.65 ERA, and 150 strikeouts in 132 2/3 innings.
To buckle up for this transition, Whitlock has looked up to former relievers Adam Warren and Todd Jones for help. Now, as he gets ready for a whole new role, the goal is clear. As he said, “The only stat I want to put up is not to go on the IL for the entire year.” If he manages to do so, the Red Sox might finally land a bullpen anchor they’ve been looking for.
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