The Boston Red Sox are still in the market for bullpen additions, and two of their targets — Andrew Kittredge and Jeff Hoffman — recently signed with division rivals.
Top-tier bullpen help is one of the most highly coveted positions every offseason because extensive pitching depth is critical to teams’ survival down the stretch. The market for elite relievers like Tanner Scott and Carlos Estévez will be competitive and, therefore, expensive.
The Red Sox haven’t been inclined to spend on players with pricey or lengthy contract demands despite many available free agents meeting their needs. There are some quality options available on the trade market that Boston could pursue, though, including San Diego Padres closer Robert Suarez.
Suarez, 33, posted a 2.77 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP with 59 strikeouts and 16 walks over 65 innings. He secured 36 saves on 42 opportunities. The righty is due $8 million in 2025 and has a player opt-out on his contract before 2026.
Padres have listened to trade interest on closer Robert Suarez and the Red Sox could capitalize
The Padres have entertained trade talks for multiple of their players, as they’ve racked up quite the payroll in recent seasons (the $280 million they promised to Xander Bogaerts before the 2023 season certainly isn’t helping there.) Suarez is one of the few players whose salary San Diego may be willing to move off the books.
Since the Padres look to decrease their payroll, they likely seek prospects or pre-arbitration players as a return for Suarez and the other impending free agents they’re listening on, and the Red Sox have plenty of young talent to go around. San Diego is also embroiled in a conflict between late owner Peter Seilder’s wife, Sheel Seidler, and her two brothers-in-law, Matt and Bob Seidler, over who should control the team after Peter’s death. The team’s competitive window may take a backseat during the legal process, making it an ideal time for San Diego to secure a return for impending free agents and players with opt-outs.
The Red Sox could capitalize on the Padres’ circumstances and bring Suarez in as another option at closer alongside Liam Hendriks, Justin Slaten and Aroldis Chapman. After Hoffman’s $33 million contract with the Blue Jays despite two failed physicals, Suarez could be a relatively inexpensive addition to the bullpen based on the market for free agents.
