Josh Winckowski, who debuted as a starter in 2022, spent the entire 2023 campaign in the bullpen, save for one start. The Red Sox also benefited from several long-relief options. 364 against him, with six doubles and two home runs among the 32 hits he gave up. 265 against him, it was mostly weaker contact lineups slugged only. A few rough outings, including giving up five earned runs to the Toronto Blue Jays in a 13-1 loss, marred what was a mostly solid 25-game stint with the team. Llovera was better than his 5.46 ERA suggests. The 31-year-old rookie did whatever was asked of him his 55 outings (all with Boston) included six starts and eight games finished, and he ended the season with a 3.20 ERA. Ahead of the trade deadline, they acquired Mauricio Llovera from the San Francisco Giants, who didn’t have room for him on their roster.ĭespite only 2 ⅓ career Major League innings under his belt when he arrived, Bernardino proved to be one of this season’s unsung heroes, a strong addition to the bullpen and clubhouse. They claimed Brennan Bernardino off waivers from the Seattle Mariners, and designated Ryan Brasier for assignment and released him in mid-May. Throughout the season, too, the Red Sox made improvements to the relief core. His 29 saves were eighth-most in the Majors this year. Early on, he converted his 400th career save, becoming the seventh player in MLB history to join that exclusive club. Two of those earned runs came within the first month of the season between July 30 and season’s end, he didn’t allow a single run over his last 20 outings.ĭespite some injuries, Jansen continued on his Hall of Fame trajectory.

At the end of the season, he’d only given up six earned runs, two homers, eight walks, and had struck out 46 batters over 51 ⅓ innings. Martin finished the season with a 1.05 ERA (434 ERA+) and 1.032 WHIP across 55 appearances, including 12 games finished and three saves. It’s been a long time since the Red Sox had a one-two punch like Martin and Jansen for the eighth and ninth innings. They signed Chris Martin and Kenley Jansen to two-year deals, and cut bait with Matt Barnes, designating him for assignment and trading him to the Miami Marlins for left-hander Richard Bleier. When the farm system Bloom replenished produces strong Major League talent in coming years, the Red Sox will benefit, but he won’t be around to enjoy the fruits of his labor.įor now, at least, give Bloom credit for the bullpen he made over.Īfter the ‘pen blew 29 saves (fourth-most in MLB) in 2022, the Red Sox made three significant changes. In a rebuild, a general manager-type leader’s true impact is often felt later. Likewise for a team that collectively finishes last, especially when it’s the third time in four seasons the parts may be great, but they’re obscured by their sum. When a top baseball operations executive gets fired, especially as abruptly as Chaim Bloom’s dismissal in mid-September, it’s difficult not to see the forest for the trees, but to see the trees for the forest.

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