The Boston Red Sox have kicked off their preparations for the 2025 season by signing veteran left-handed reliever. While they have yet to make any blockbuster moves, this signing addresses a clear need in their bullpen, which struggled mightily in the latter half of the 2024 season.
Following the All-Star break, the Red Sox bullpen ranked last across all major pitching categories and lacked reliable left-handed options. The team frequently shuffled pitchers between the majors and Triple-A to fill the void, underscoring their need for improvement.
Wilson, a 12-year MLB veteran, spent last season with the Cincinnati Reds, posting a 5.59 ERA over 60 appearances. Despite the high ERA, he recorded 51 strikeouts in 46 2/3 innings, suggesting potential for improvement if he can reduce hard contact.
His arsenal includes a four-seam fastball, slider, and cutter, and his 95th percentile chase rate in 2024 highlights his ability to induce swings on pitches outside the zone. Advanced metrics indicate he may have been somewhat unlucky, with a lower expected wOBA compared to his actual wOBA.
His contract with the Red Sox is a one-year deal worth $2.25 million, with up to $750,000 in performance bonuses. At 37, Wilson isn’t seen as a long-term solution but brings valuable experience and depth to a bullpen in need of both. The team is reportedly still exploring additional bullpen reinforcements, including free agent Tanner Scott, one of the top left-handed relievers available, signaling this move as just the beginning of their offseason activity.
This signing is considered a low-risk move, offering the Red Sox a veteran presence in a bullpen that ranked among the league’s worst in 2024. Wilson’s strikeout ability gives hope that with the right coaching adjustments, he could be more effective in 2025. While he isn’t expected to anchor the bullpen, his ability to harness his swing-and-miss stuff could make him a valuable contributor.
Though moves like this may not grab headlines, they often prove significant over the course of a season. Red Sox fans may not know much about Wilson now, but if his performance improves, he could become a key piece, especially during the critical late summer and fall months. If the Red Sox can unlock his potential, Wilson could play an important role in strengthening their pitching staff for the upcoming season.
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