The Boston Red Sox need left-handed pitching in the bullpen and could look at free agency to find a southpaw.
Jake Bennett, Jovani Moran and Shane Drohan could be left-handed options for Alex Cora out of the bullpen. They have Aroldis Chapman, but they need options outside of the ninth inning. Taylor Rogers would be a great addition.
He is the twin brother of Tyler Rogers, who signed with the Toronto Blue Jays this offseason. Taylor Rogers was traded to the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline, but did not play his best with the Cubs. Before the trade deadline, he had a 2.45 ERA in 40 games for the Cincinnati Reds.
He does not throw the ball hard, with his sinker sitting at 93.9 mph last season. He relies on a sinker and sweeper mix. However, he is effective against left-handed hitters. Left-handed hitters have a .199 batting average against him throughout his career.
Last season, opponents hit just .168 against his sweeper. His stint with the Cubs was not great, but the Red Sox could utilize him as a left-handed option in the middle innings. Between Aroldis Chapman and Garrett Whitlock, the Red Sox could have an elite duo for the eighth and ninth innings.
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Rogers could be a decent option to deploy before Cora goes to his elite bullpen arms. Last season was Rogers’ 10th season in Major League Baseball. He has not dealt with any significant arm injuries and has pitched in 247 games since 2022.
He should not be an expensive addition and would allow the Red Sox to continue focusing their resources on an impact bat in free agency. However, their need for a southpaw in the bullpen cannot be completely overlooked.
Featured image via Jerome Miron/Imagn Images
