Perhaps the struggles of the Boston Red Sox starting rotation overshadowed the fragile state of their bullpen. Boston has the 25th-ranked starters' ERA in the MLB, but their bullpen has been even worse, and new president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski may look to bolster the unit through offseason trades.
The bullpen blew another lead over the weekend, this time squandering a one-run cushion in the bottom of the eighth inning. What was a 4-3 lead turned into an 8-4 loss. The Red Sox relievers rank 26th in the MLB with a 4.42 ERA, have the ninth-most blown saves (19) and own a 2.40 K/BB ratio, which is good for 21st in the league.
Rumors are already beginning to circulate as to how Dombrowski will patch up the unit once he's able to make changes in the offseason. A number of the MLB's best relievers have been mentioned as possible candidates to join the bullpen.
In his latest edition of Sunday Baseball Notes, Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe analyzes how Dombrowski can address the issue by targeting some players via trade, with his top two candidates being Aroldis Chapman and Craig Kimbrel.
"Chapman, who throws 100 miles per hour, could very well be available, but for a boatload of prospects. The dilemma would be, save the prospects for an ace or use them on a closer? An ace could be acquired via free agency, as could back-end relief. Towers said it would take a blockbuster package."
As for Kimbrel...
"The Padres didn't trade him at the deadline, and if they're retooling this offseason to try to make another run, he may not be available again. But the consensus is the Padres would look to reload with major league-ready players, so an outfielder, third baseman, and starting pitcher may be in their sights."
Cafardo also goes on to speak of other possible acquisitions, such as David Robertson (CWS), Wade Davis (KC), Francisco Rodriguez (MIL), Drew Storen (WSH), Jonathan Papelbon (WSH) and Will Harris (HOU).
The need for a capable closer is paramount, considering Koji Uehara has pitched in only 43 games this season (he's now out for the year with an injury) and will be entering his age-41 season in 2016. Chapman and Kimbrel are among the best around, and due to their current situations in Cincinnati and San Diego, it's possible those clubs opt to move them if the price is right.
"Reds closer Aroldis Chapman and Padres closer Craig Kimbrel were two names mentioned often at the trade deadline, meaning their names probably will pop up often this coming offseason," writes Christopher Smith of MassLive.com.
"If the Sox do consider trading for one of these two, Kimbrel makes more sense because he is under control through 2017 with a $13 million team option and $1 million buyout for 2018.
"Chapman is signed through only next season.
"If Dombrowski wants Chapman, he should wait until after the 2016 season and try to sign him during free agency."
The bullpen has largely been overlooked as a priority on Dombrowski's checklist because he still has to hire a new general manager and possibly a new manager. Additionally, Boston may look to move the onerous contracts of Hanley Ramirez and/or Pablo Sandoval to acquire a high-priced starter to lead their rotation, but that's merely subject to rumors at this point.
Although Dombrowski has a lot on his plate right now, he'll certainly be working on improving the bullpen when the time comes. After all, the Red Sox will have to close out games if they plan on getting back to their winning ways.
