The Boston Red Sox have made a significant move in the offseason by signing 16-year veteran reliever Justin Wilson to a one-year, $2.25 million contract for the 2025 season. Wilson, a left-handed pitcher from Clovis, California, has had a journeyman career in Major League Baseball, playing for eight different organizations. His extensive experience and versatility are expected to bolster the Red Sox bullpen in the upcoming season.
Career Overview
Justin Wilson began his MLB career in 2012 with the Pittsburgh Pirates and has since played for the Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds, and San Francisco Giants. Throughout his career, he has accumulated a 3.52 ERA and 1.28 WHIP, with 10.1 strikeouts per nine innings. Wilson’s ability to pitch in various roles, including as a setup man and closer, has made him a valuable asset to multiple teams.
2024 Season Performance
In the 2024 season, Wilson pitched for the Cincinnati Reds, appearing in 60 games and totaling 46.2 innings. He posted a 5.59 ERA, allowing 51 strikeouts and 13 walks, with a concerning 10 home runs allowed. Despite these challenges, Wilson’s 38.8% chase rate was elite across baseball, driven by a cutter with significant vertical movement and a slider that ranked among the top 50% of relievers in Stuff+. His four-seam fastball, however, was less effective, contributing to the high home run rate. citeturn0news1
Red Sox’s Strategic Move
The Red Sox’s decision to sign Wilson early in the offseason indicates confidence in his potential to contribute positively to the bullpen. Notably, the Red Sox have effectively minimized the use of four-seam fastballs, a strategy that aligns with Wilson’s pitching profile. With some adjustments and a focus on his more effective pitches, the Red Sox believe Wilson can become a valuable asset in their bullpen. citeturn0news1
Role in the 2025 Season
Wilson is expected to serve as a depth bullpen option for the Red Sox in the 2025 season. While his role may not be prominent, the early signing suggests that the team sees potential in his ability to contribute. The Red Sox’s bullpen has undergone several changes in recent years, and Wilson’s experience and adaptability could provide stability and depth to the relief corps.
Recent Red Sox Transactions
In addition to signing Wilson, the Red Sox have made several other moves to strengthen their roster for the 2025 season:
- November 4, 2024: The team activated players remaining on the 60-day injured list from the 2024 season, bringing the number of players on their 40-man roster to 39. They made free agent Nick Pivetta a qualifying offer of $21.05 million for the 2025 season. The team also exercised their $2.1 million club option to bring Rob Refsnyder back for the 2025 season.
- November 5, 2024: The team declined a qualifying offer for Tyler O’Neill for $21.05 million, making him a free agent.
- November 13, 2024: The team hired Chris Holt to serve as bullpen coach.
- November 14, 2024: The team signed free-agent pitcher Justin Wilson to a one-year contract.
- November 19, 2024: Pivetta declined the team’s qualifying offer for 2025. In advance of the Rule 5 draft, the team added pitcher Hunter Dobbins and outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia to the 40-man roster; in corresponding moves, pitchers Isaiah Campbell and Bryan Mata were designated for assignment.
- November 22, 2024: The team named José Flores as first-base coach and Parker Guinn as catching instructor/bullpen catcher. Pitcher Bailey Horn was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Tigers.
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Conclusion
The signing of Justin Wilson represents a strategic move by the Boston Red Sox to enhance their bullpen depth for the 2025 season. Wilson’s extensive experience and adaptability, combined with the team’s pitching philosophy, position him as a potentially valuable contributor to the Red Sox’s relief corps. As the offseason progresses, it will be interesting to see how Wilson integrates into the team’s plans and how his performance impacts the bullpen’s overall effectiveness.
