The Boston Red Sox title defense has been lackluster at best, but now they may be taking steps to address one of their biggest weaknesses this season.
MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reported on Sunday that the Red Sox are showing “active interest” in Kirby Yates of the San Diego Padres and Ken Giles of the Toronto Blue Jays, two of the top closers on the trade market.
Boston’s bullpen has been below average all year, posting a 4.54 ERA with an AL-worst 18 blown saves. Righty Brandon Workman, who has been the team’s best reliever, has been getting the save opportunities lately but is probably more of a natural in middle relief.
The Red Sox may unfortunately have a bit of a depleted farm system with which to target the likes of Yates and Giles. But with the playoffs very much in play at 54-46, it might be better to seek an upgrade to the pen via trade rather than just hope that their bold in-house strategy is the solution.
