On Wednesday, we argued that the potential fit for Devin Williams in Boston was "clunky," but this most recent report seems to align better.
On Wednesday, we learned that the Boston Red Sox have some degree of interest in free agent closer Devin Williams, formerly of the Milwaukee Brewers and New York Yankees.
We also argued on Wednesday that the idea of that fit was "clunky," at best.
A new report from The Athletic on Thursday sheds additional light on the Sox' bullpen desires, and frankly, it makes much more sense.
But as The Athletic recently reported, they hold some level of interest in free agent Devin Williams. It wouldn’t be surprising to see them continue to at least monitor the market for other proven, high-leverage relievers, which includes Robert Suarez, Pete Fairbanks, Ryan Helsley, Luke Weaver and Raisel Iglesias.
Signing one of those relievers to a three- or four-year deal not only would bolster the Sox for 2026, but also give them a potential long-term replacement for Chapman, who will pitch next season at 38
Why this group is a better fit
Because of the presence of Aroldis Chapman. The 37-year-old closer turned in an All-Star season in 2025, going 5-3 with a 1.17 ERA and 32 saves. He struck out 85 batters in 61.1 innings. The closer job is his, unquestionably.
While it's logical that the Red Sox want to build a better bullpen, it's not necessarily logical to think that an established closer like Williams or Edwin Diaz will want to come into a situation where they are given the eighth-inning role only, at best.
Each of the names mentioned above are high-leverage relievers with the capability to close, and they may be willing to wait at least a year to see what Chapman's career arc is before 2027. Fairbanks knows the American League East from his time with the Rays, Helsley needs to rebound after his second-half struggles with the New York Mets and Weaver was an elite set-up man for the Yankees for most of the last two years.
How the rest of the 'pen shapes up
Garrett Whitlock is one of the more versatile leverage relievers in the league, capable of throwing multiple innings. He is qualified to take the eighth-inning role as well, but if Boston is able to land one of the aforementioned names, he's likely to be in a timeshare in that position.
What else Boston is up to
They want to get another starting pitcher and a corner infielder. Alex Bregman remains the goal at third base, but they've been at least connected to Eugenio Suarez and Pete Alonso in some capacity.
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