After blowing another eighth-inning lead, the Boston Red Sox are in dire need of a reliever. According to reports, Addison Reed could be their target.
If the Boston Red Sox would like to play deep into October, they will need to look into acquiring more bullpen help. Addison Reed could be that guy.
The Red Sox have made one major move at the deadline thus far, and that was acquiring third basemen Eduardo Nunez from the San Francisco Giants. Nunez is already paying dividends, as he had two home runs and the walk-off RBI in a 9-8 win over the Kansas City Royals last night.
The Red Sox could be primed to make another move.
Sources: #Mets’ Addison Reed a focus for #RedSox. No trade close. Other teams remain involved.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 30, 2017
Today’s game showcased the Red Sox’ need for a set-up man. In the top of the eighth, Matt Barnes came in to pitch with a 3-1 lead. He eventually gave up three earned runs on three hits and blew the lead for the Sox. This is a Red Sox team that needs every win it can get with the New York Yankees now in control of first place.
Reed would be a tremendous addition. As the New York Mets closer, he has a 2.57 ERA and is 19-for-22 in save opportunities over 49 innings.
Plus, he has four holds, which is a very important statistic for the Red Sox.
If the Red Sox were to acquire Reed, he would not be the closer. If you weren’t aware, the Red Sox already have one of those and his name is Craig Kimbrel. He’s having himself a pretty good season.
Instead, Reed would be the eighth inning guy.
He has a career ERA of 3.40 and has consistently been an eighth or ninth inning pitcher throughout his time in the big leagues.
With another lead lost in the eighth inning, one has to believe that Dave Dombrowski’s hand went straight to dialing the number for the New York Mets to try and get a deal done for Reed.
Next: This Red Sox team needs a bit of a backbone.
Dombrowski is 0-for-2 in his past two attempts at acquiring set-up men, as both Carson Smith and Tyler Thornburg have been lost due to extensive injuries. The Thornburg trade was especially a disappointment, as the Red Sox gave up slugger Travis Shaw to get him.
For Dombrowski’s sake, hopefully the third time’s the charm with regards to acquiring a set-up man.