As the Red Sox shift their focus to the 2026 season, strengthening the bullpen is expected to be a clear priority.
In light of that, MassLive MLB insider Chris Cotillo reveal that Boston will add two relievers to support Aroldis Chapman and Garrett Whitlock — one of whom could be Yankees right-hander.
“The Red Sox have many areas of need this winter,” Cotillo wrote. “High-octane bullpen help, while a luxury for all teams, is not one. Depth will be the goal for (chief baseball officer Craig) Breslow as he looks to augment a group that will be headlined by Chapman and Whitlock.
“The prediction here is that the Red Sox sign two arms — a righty and a lefty — but don’t break the bank for either. There are many trustworthy options internally (including some projected as starters) who can be counted on, too. Wild guess? (Justin) Wilson and Luke Weaver.
Red Sox Look to Complement Back of Bullpen
Despite finishing the 2025 season with the second-best bullpen ERA in MLB (3.41), the Red Sox lacked reliable late-inning options as the season wore on. Re-signing Aroldis Chapman — who posted a 2.26 ERA and converted 32 of 34 save chances — secures the return of their dominant late-game duo alongside Garrett Whitlock.
However, as Chris Cotillo pointed out, veteran left-handers Justin Wilson and Steven Matz are free agents and could depart in the offseason.
Boston still has several lower-leverage relievers under contract, including right-handers Justin Slaten, Greg Weissert, and Zack Kelly, as well as left-handers Brennan Bernardino and Chris Murphy. Jordan Hicks is also expected to return, though his role may be limited after struggling to a 8.20 ERA and 1.98 WHIP in 21 appearances following his arrival in the Rafael Devers trade.
Weaver Was Roughed Up in Playoffs
Luke Weaver, 32, emerged as one of the Yankees’ most reliable relievers during the 2025 regular season, though he stumbled in the postseason. In Game 1 of the ALDS against the Blue Jays, he gave up two runs without recording an out in a 10-1 loss.
That rough outing overshadowed what had been a strong year for Weaver, who posted a 3.62 ERA with 72 strikeouts over 64.2 innings across 64 appearances. He also notched eight saves, solidifying his role in the back end of New York’s bullpen.
Having reinvented himself with the Yankees, Weaver is now seen as one of the top relief options on the free-agent market. While New York may hesitate to lose him—especially to a division rival like Boston—his effectiveness as a late-inning arm and closer makes him a valuable target looking to cash in.
Notably, Weaver told MLB insiders Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman of the New York Post last month that he’s open to returning to a starting role, adding another layer of intrigue to his free agency.
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