The Red Sox may be getting ready to fill their closer’s role. Peter Gammons of MLB.com is reporting that the A’s are mulling an offer made by the Red Sox for their young closer Andrew Bailey. Gammons tweets that Boston’s offer includes Josh Reddick and prospects for Bailey. While rumors have tied Red Sox shortstop Jed Lowrie to trade talks, he is not part of the offer according to Gammons.
Yesterday, the A’s and Red Sox were reportedly set to meet to discuss Bailey. Boston lost long-time closer Jonathan Papelbon early this offseason, as the right-hander signed a five-year, $50 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. Papelbon’s departure leaves the Red Sox with a void in the back end of their bullpen.
Luckily for Boston, the free agent market for closers is deep, and there are several options to be had via trade as well. Along with Bailey, the Red Sox have been tied to former Phillies closer Ryan Madson this offseason.
Rather than sign Madson to a costly, long-term deal, the Red Sox may instead elect to give up the necessary players to trade for a closer that’s young and inexpensive.
Just because he’s not commanding top dollar on the free agent market doesn’t mean Bailey hasn’t been a successful closer. Over his three seasons as the A’s finisher, Bailey has compiled 75 saves while maintaining an ERA and WHIP of 2.07 and 0.954.
For more on the Red Sox and A’s, be sure to check out BoSox Injection and Swingin’ A’s.