The Boston Red Sox are bolstering their bullpen for the upcoming season, agreeing to terms with veteran left-handed reliever Justin Wilson on a one-year, $2.25 million contract, as reported by multiple sources. The deal, which is pending a physical, also includes performance bonuses based on games pitched that could add another $750,000 to Wilson’s salary.
Bringing Experience to Boston’s Bullpen
Wilson, 37, is a 12-year MLB veteran who has pitched for seven different teams over his career. He spent the 2024 season with the Cincinnati Reds, appearing in 60 games and posting a 5.59 ERA across 46 2/3 innings. Despite the elevated ERA, Wilson still managed to strike out 51 batters while issuing just 13 walks, showcasing his ability to miss bats and limit free passes.
The Red Sox are hoping that Wilson can bounce back to his previous form and provide a steady left-handed presence in their relief corps. Over his career, Wilson has compiled a 34-29 record with a 3.61 ERA and 20 saves, proving to be a reliable option out of the bullpen for multiple teams.
Injury Setbacks and Comebacks
Wilson’s journey over the past few seasons has been marred by injuries. In 2022, he was limited to just five appearances due to an elbow injury that ultimately required Tommy John surgery. As he prepared to make his return to the mound for the Milwaukee Brewers in July 2023, Wilson suffered a season-ending lat injury while warming up in the bullpen.
Despite these setbacks, Wilson has shown resilience and a determination to continue his career. His signing with the Red Sox marks another opportunity for him to prove that he can still be an effective reliever at the big league level.
Justin is a proven veteran who has had success in high-leverage situations throughout his career. We believe he can be a valuable addition to our bullpen and provide leadership to our younger pitchers.
– A source close to the Red Sox organization
A Well-Traveled Southpaw
Wilson’s MLB journey began with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2012, and he has since pitched for the New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds, and now the Boston Red Sox. His wealth of experience and ability to adapt to different team environments could prove invaluable in the Red Sox clubhouse.
Some of Wilson’s best seasons came with the Yankees in 2015 and the Cubs in 2017-2018. During those years, he consistently posted ERAs below 3.50 and struck out more than a batter per inning. The Red Sox will be hoping that a healthy Wilson can recapture some of that past success and become a key cog in their bullpen.
Fitting Into the Red Sox Pitching Staff
With the addition of Wilson, the Red Sox now have another left-handed option to pair with incumbent southpaws Josh Taylor and Sam Selman. Manager Alex Cora will have the flexibility to mix and match his relievers based on matchups and game situations.
Wilson’s signing also provides the Red Sox with some insurance in case of injuries or underperformance from other members of the bullpen. Having a veteran like Wilson who can step into various roles and provide quality innings will be crucial over the course of a long season.
New Pitching Coach Joins the Staff
In addition to signing Wilson, the Red Sox also announced the hiring of Chris Holt as their new bullpen coach. Holt, 45, previously served as the pitching coach for the Baltimore Orioles from 2021-2023 and was the Orioles’ director of pitching from 2020-2024.
Holt brings a wealth of experience in player development, having worked as a pitching coach in the Houston Astros’ minor league system from 2014-2017 before becoming their assistant pitching coordinator in 2018.
Chris has a proven track record of helping pitchers reach their full potential. We’re excited to have him join our coaching staff and work with our entire pitching staff, including our new addition, Justin Wilson.
– A member of the Red Sox front office
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season
As the Red Sox continue to build their roster for the upcoming season, the signing of Justin Wilson and the hiring of Chris Holt demonstrate their commitment to improving the pitching staff. With a mix of veteran leadership and young talent, the Red Sox will look to compete in the always-tough American League East.
Red Sox fans will be eager to see how Wilson and the rest of the bullpen perform as the team chases a return to the postseason. If Wilson can stay healthy and recapture some of his previous form, he could become a key contributor in Boston’s quest for another World Series title.
