The Boston Red Sox will enter spring training without a set closer, but they have several intriguing candidates for the role.
Veteran relievers Aroldis Chapman and Liam Hendriks are considered the frontrunners, while young arms Justin Slaten and Luis Guerrero are also in contention. On Tuesday, Red Sox manager Alex Cora addressed the situation, emphasizing that the job must be earned over the next two months.
“I believe in that,” Cora told reporters. “Health will be a factor, but the good thing is we haven’t guaranteed the role to anyone. Neither Liam nor Chappy has been promised the ninth inning, and they’re aware of that.”
Cora also noted that the bullpen will be more flexible this season, requiring careful planning in the coming weeks. “We need to map out our approach, and while some players with options might not like it, tough decisions will have to be made. Being versatile will help us win games.”
In a surprising twist, Cora mentioned right-hander Garrett Whitlock—who is recovering from Tommy John surgery—as a potential closer.
“Whit reminded me that he closed the wild-card game in 2021,” Cora said. “We have guys. We have options, and that’s a good thing.”
Whitlock, 28, has pitched both as a starter and reliever over the past four seasons, compiling a 3.39 ERA and 1.146 WHIP across 103 appearances, including 23 starts. He recorded six saves in 2022.
Before undergoing surgery last season, Whitlock posted a 1.96 ERA in four starts.
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