Red Sox Already Have a Star Closer — So Why Are They Targeting a “Super Bullpen”?
Boston Might Not Be Done Loading Up
The Boston Red Sox already feature one of baseball’s most fearsome late-inning arms in Aroldis Chapman, the reigning American League Reliever of the Year. Chapman’s blazing fastball, averaging over 100 mph, combined with his devastating slider, makes him virtually unhittable in high-pressure situations. Yet sources indicate the Red Sox aren’t stopping there. Insiders say Boston is actively considering a bullpen makeover so dominant it could “break” opposing lineups late in games — a move that would set a new standard for late-inning depth in MLB.
The Athletic Drops a Bombshell
According to reporting from Ken Rosenthal, Will Sammon, and Katie Woo, Boston is exploring the addition of another elite high-leverage reliever. While it isn’t the team’s primary focus this offseason, the move could transform Boston’s late-inning strategy, allowing the club to deploy multiple shutdown arms without sacrificing matchups.
Supercharge the Late Innings: Options Abound
This winter’s free-agent market is stacked with top-tier relievers, giving Boston multiple paths to strengthen the bullpen. The team could target another closer-caliber arm to complement Chapman, or take a more experimental approach with a closer-by-committee system, rotating high-leverage relievers based on matchup and situation. Among potential candidates, Edwin Díaz emerges as the most tantalizing option.
Meet the $100 Million Wildcard
After opting out of his contract with the Mets, Díaz is reportedly seeking another nine-figure deal — and for good reason. Last season, he was nearly untouchable, posting a 1.63 ERA with a strikeout rate over 14 per nine innings and earning National League Reliever of the Year honors. Beyond the stats, his consistency in high-pressure moments and ability to dominate both left- and right-handed hitters makes him one of the most coveted bullpen arms in baseball.
Would Díaz Give Up Being “The Guy”?
If Díaz joined Boston, he likely wouldn’t assume the primary closer role immediately. Chapman recently signed a $13 million extension that includes a 2027 vesting option, and he is entrenched as Boston’s ninth-inning specialist. Still, Díaz has made it clear he is flexible: he wants financial security, championship contention, and the opportunity to contribute to a winning team.
Díaz told Newsday’s Laura Albanese:
“I want the best deal for my family… I’d love to stay in New York, but if I go somewhere else, I want to win a ring.”
Two Closers, Two Innings — Zero Chance for Opponents
Imagine Díaz in the 8th inning and Chapman in the 9th. Opposing hitters would face two of the game’s elite relievers back-to-back, creating a scenario reminiscent of the Brewers’ Devin Williams–Josh Hader tandem — a formula that delivered years of dominance. Boston could rotate other high-leverage arms such as Matt Barnes, Hirokazu Sawamura, or Jake Diekman to maintain matchup flexibility and keep hitters off balance.
Historic Level of Greatness
Díaz is not just elite — he is historic. A three-time All-Star and three-time Reliever of the Year, he is one of only two pitchers to win the award three times since its debut in 2014. His elite velocity, strikeout ability, and postseason experience make him a perfect fit for a team with championship aspirations. Pairing him with Chapman could create one of the most feared bullpen duos in MLB history, giving Boston the potential to dominate the late innings in a way few teams can match.
The Takeaway
Even with Chapman locked in, Boston’s pursuit of another superstar reliever shows the team is thinking big. The goal isn’t just a strong bullpen — it’s a “super bullpen,” one that can turn high-leverage situations into near-certainties, giving the Red Sox an edge in tight games and playoff contention. With elite talent available on the market, including Díaz, Boston could redefine what a modern bullpen looks like.
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