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With Red Sox free agent pitcher ‘considering retirement,’ Boston looking at lefty relievers
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- With Red Sox free agent pitcher ‘considering retirement,’ Boston looking at lefty relievers
Lefty reliever Justin Wilson enjoyed a strong first season in Boston last year and seems like a strong fit to return in 2026. There’s a chance, however, that he’s done pitching for good.
According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon , Wilson, who turned 38 in August and remains unsigned with five weeks to go before spring training, is “considering retirement.” The report states that it’s “unlikely” Wilson pitches “unless it is on a fair deal with a legitimate World Series contender.”
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Wilson’s stance is possibly a negotiating tactic designed to get contenders to increase their offers in an effort to sign him, but it’s still notable that retirement is on the table after a very good 2025. Last year, Wilson assumed a high-leverage role for Alex Cora and the Red Sox , totaling a 3.35 ERA in 61 appearances (48 ⅓ innings) while striking out 57 batters. He had a very good first half (2.48 ERA in 29 innings) but ran out of steam a bit down the stretch, as evidenced by his 4.66 ERA in 24 second-half appearances. Though left-handed batters hit Wilson hard late in the season, he was utterly dominant against them early. In total, lefties hit just .212 with a .574 OPS against him.
Wilson ranked fourth on the team in appearances, trailing only Greg Weissert , Aroldis Chapman and Garrett Whitlock . The Red Sox still have an acute need for left-handed relief help with Wilson (unsigned), Brennan Bernardino and Chris Murphy (traded) and Steven Matz (signed with Tampa Bay ) all out of the picture. Currently, outside of Chapman (who is locked into the ninth inning), the top two left-handed candidates for high-leverage innings are unproven options Jovani Morán and Tyler Samaniego . A rotation prospect like Kyle Harrison , Jake Bennett or Shane Drohan could emerge in a bulk role as well.
External additions remain possible as well. The Red Sox remain in the market for left-handed relief help and have been in touch with multiple veteran southpaws. According to sources, they remain engaged with Danny Coulombe , who dominated for the Twins early in the year before a deadline trade to Texas . Longtime Blue Jay Tim Mayza is another target, multiple sources said. Cionel Pérez , who has spent the last four years in Baltimore ’s bullpen, is yet another option.
Andrew Chafin , Joey Lucchesi , Brent Suter and Taylor Rogers are still available, along with former Red Sox Jalen Beeks , Cam Booser and Zach Penrod .
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