Red Sox’s $19M Injury-Prone Pitcher Emerges as Surprise Candidate for 2025 Closer Role
The Boston Red Sox face a critical offseason decision: who will take over as their closer in 2025? After a disappointing 2024 campaign, in large part due to a shaky bullpen, the team is preparing for life without Kenley Jansen. The 37-year-old veteran was a key figure in the Red Sox’s relief corps over the past two seasons, but his late-season departure makes his return to the mound at Fenway uncertain. Now, Boston must find a new anchor for the bullpen.
With free agency and trades looming as possible solutions, the Red Sox might also explore internal options. Two pitchers, in particular, could make a compelling case: standout rookie Justin Slaten and former All-Star closer Liam Hendriks, who’s working his way back from injury. But there’s also a dark horse in the conversation: Garrett Whitlock.
Whitlock, the versatile pitcher who has vacillated between starter and reliever during his career, could be a sleeper candidate to take over the closing duties. FanSided’s Rick McNair floated this idea, pointing to Whitlock’s impeccable control and strikeout ability as strengths suited to the role. In his career, Whitlock boasts a solid 1.9 BB% and a 9.4 K%, and his ability to induce ground balls at a 44.4% clip could serve him well in high-leverage situations.
The numbers also back up Whitlock’s effectiveness as a reliever. While his career ERA as a starter sits at 4.29, it drops significantly to 2.65 when coming out of the bullpen. He’s proven his worth as a multi-inning reliever, though his ability to lock down the ninth inning remains up for debate, having blown six of 15 save opportunities so far in his career.
Adding further intrigue is Whitlock’s contract, a four-year deal that includes club options for 2027 and 2028, which could extend his tenure in Boston through the end of the decade. At a guaranteed $18.75 million, the Red Sox are undoubtedly looking to maximize their return on investment.
While Whitlock has the tools and potential to step into the closer’s role, his versatility raises questions about whether Boston would be better served using him as a multi-inning weapon. His ability to eat up innings could still be an asset in a long relief or setup role, making the closer spot a tough decision for the Red Sox brass.
As the Red Sox look to rebound in 2025, the question of who will finish games for them remains a key storyline. Whether it’s Whitlock, Slaten, Hendriks, or someone acquired via trade or free agency, Boston will need to solidify the backend of their bullpen if they hope to contend again.
