Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora has sparked discussion by mentioning two intriguing candidates for the team’s open closer role: Aroldis Chapman and Liam Hendriks. With the Red Sox still searching for a reliable ninth-inning option, Cora’s comments suggest the team could look at experienced veterans to stabilize the bullpen. Chapman, known for his overpowering fastball, and Hendriks, a fiery competitor with a history of closing experience, would both bring veteran leadership and high-leverage experience to Boston’s relief corps.
Chapman, who spent the 2024 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, has struggled with consistency in recent years but still possesses the ability to generate strikeouts at a high rate. Meanwhile, Hendriks, who has been recovering from Tommy John surgery, represents a potential high-risk, high-reward option. If fully healthy, he could return to being one of the most dominant closers in baseball. The Red Sox, aiming to improve their bullpen depth, could see either pitcher as a valuable addition to their late-inning plans.
Cora’s willingness to consider external options highlights Boston’s urgency to shore up a bullpen that struggled in 2024. While the team has internal candidates, adding a proven closer like Chapman or Hendriks could provide much-needed stability. Whether the Red Sox pursue either pitcher remains to be seen, but Cora’s comments suggest the front office is keeping all options open as they prepare for the 2025 season.
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