At this stage of the 2025 MLB regular season, the transaction wire is constantly active, with teams frequently calling up players from the minors and signing veterans aiming for a return to the majors.
One such veteran is a former Boston Red Sox reliever, now attempting a determined comeback to the big leagues after last appearing in a game two years ago with the Colorado Rockies.
Former Red Sox Reliever Signs With Mariners
Earlier this week, Rob Bradford of WEEI reported that former Red Sox pitcher Daniel Bard has signed a minor league deal with the Seattle Mariners. Bard is set to begin his comeback with a 10-day stint at Seattle’s Spring Training facility in Arizona before joining their Triple-A team.
Now 39 years old, Bard’s contract includes multiple opt-out clauses. He missed the entire 2024 season while recovering from two significant injuries: a torn meniscus in his left knee and a torn flexor tendon in his forearm — the latter being potentially career-threatening.
Per source, Daniel Bard has signed a minor-league deal with @Mariners. Will begin with 10 days in Arizona before reporting to Tacoma. Has multiple opt-outs over next couple of months.
— Rob Bradford (@bradfo) June 5, 2025
Despite those setbacks, Bard was determined to return to the mound in 2025. Just last month, he reportedly held a throwing session for 10 MLB teams and received considerable interest, including from contenders in both the AL and NL West, according to Bradford.
Bard last pitched for the Colorado Rockies in 2023, posting a 4-2 record with a 4.56 ERA over 50 appearances. That marked his fourth season in Colorado, having previously stepped away from baseball in 2017 before making a successful comeback.
Originally drafted by the Red Sox, Bard pitched five seasons in Boston. He compiled a 10-19 record and a 3.67 ERA across 211 appearances, holding opposing hitters to a .210 average and .650 OPS while striking out 23.4% of batters faced.
Daniel Bard threw for about 10 teams a week ago. Drawing significant interest, particularly from some Western Division contenders in both leagues. Missed all last year with elbow injury.
— Rob Bradford (@bradfo) May 27, 2025
His standout season came in 2010 when he recorded an impressive 1.93 ERA in 73 games, allowing just 45 hits and 16 earned runs over 74.2 innings, with 73 strikeouts.
It’s inspiring to see Bard fighting through injury for another shot at the majors. While the Red Sox won’t face the Mariners again this season, fans in Boston will surely be rooting for their former reliever to defy the odds once more.
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