The Boston Red Sox will likely focus on strengthening their bullpen to address its struggles from the 2024 season. After the All-Star break, the bullpen’s performance was notably poor, especially with the team blowing 18 of their final 32 save opportunities. While injuries and defensive issues may have contributed, the bullpen’s overall inefficiency cannot be overlooked. To resolve this, the Red Sox could look to enhance their roster by adding another high-leverage reliever, which would significantly improve their chances in 2025. One potential target for the Red Sox is Jeff Hoffman, a breakout star with the Philadelphia Phillies over the last two seasons.
Hoffman, known for his strikeout ability, aligns well with the Red Sox’s recent trend of prioritizing high strikeout pitchers. His performance in the past two years has been exceptional, with a 2.28 ERA and a 33.4% strikeout rate, placing him among the top relievers in baseball. These statistics make him an attractive option for Boston as they seek to shore up their bullpen. Moreover, Hoffman has a 0.94 WHIP since the start of 2023, alongside a 2.54 FIP, indicating his effectiveness in limiting baserunners and preventing runs. Although Hoffman has experience in closing games, with 12 career saves, he thrives more in high-pressure, fireman roles, making him a versatile addition to the bullpen.
Adding Hoffman to the roster could be the solution the Red Sox need to bolster their relief pitching. If the Red Sox can secure Hoffman at a lower price than the contract they previously offered to Kenley Jansen, it would be a wise move. According to Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer, Hoffman is predicted to sign a three-year, $36 million contract with the Red Sox. This potential acquisition would give Boston a reliable, high-strikeout arm to help close games and support the bullpen in late-inning situations. In conclusion, bringing in Hoffman could be a critical step for the Red Sox in improving their relief pitching and addressing one of the team’s key weaknesses from the previous season.
