Red Sox Add Bullpen Depth with Spring Training Signing
The Boston Red Sox have bolstered their relief corps by signing veteran right-hander Danny Coulombe, who posted a 3.35 ERA across stints with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Baltimore Orioles last season.
The move comes as teams finalize their rosters heading into the regular season. Coulombe brings eight years of major league experience to a Red Sox bullpen that’s looking to establish more consistent depth behind closer Kenley Jansen.
What makes this signing interesting is Coulombe’s track record against left-handed hitters. The 34-year-old has consistently held lefties to a sub-.650 OPS throughout his career, making him a valuable matchup piece for manager Alex Cora.
Last season told two different stories for Coulombe. He started strong with the Dodgers, posting a 2.16 ERA in 25 appearances before struggling down the stretch in Baltimore. The Orioles claimed him off waivers in August, but he managed just a 5.79 ERA over 14 games.
“We’re always looking for guys who can get outs,” Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said. “Danny’s had success in this league and gives us another option out of the pen.”
The Red Sox bullpen enters the season with questions beyond Jansen’s closer role. John Schreiber and Garrett Whitlock are expected to handle high-leverage situations, but the back end of the bullpen remains unsettled.
Coulombe’s signing suggests Boston isn’t done tinkering with its relief options. The veteran left-hander will compete for a spot in what’s shaping up to be an open competition for the final bullpen roles.
Spring Training performances will ultimately determine who makes the Opening Day roster, but Coulombe’s experience and track record give him a legitimate shot. He’s appeared in 58 postseason games throughout his career, including the Dodgers’ 2020 World Series run.
The financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, but it’s likely a minor league contract with an invitation to major league camp. That’s become the standard approach for late-spring signings of veteran relievers.
From where I’m sitting, this looks like a low-risk move that could pay dividends if Coulombe can recapture his early-2023 form. The Red Sox need all the bullpen help they can get, and adding a proven commodity this late in camp shows they’re serious about competing in the loaded AL East.
