Red Sox Enhance 2025 Closer Competition with Significant Developments

The Boston Red Sox are entering the 2025 MLB season with an intriguing question mark hovering over their bullpen: Who will take on the role of closer? This follows the departure of Kenley Jansen to the Los Angeles Angels.

With spring training underway, the team is evaluating several intriguing candidates, including experienced veterans and rising talents.

Here’s an in-depth look at the contenders, recent performances, and what it all means for Boston’s bullpen strategy moving forward.

The Boston Red Sox’s Closer Dilemma

The closer role is one of the most critical positions in baseball. It’s a role built on consistency, reliability, and an unshakable mindset to finish games under pressure.

For the Red Sox, finding their go-to ninth-inning arm has become a priority as they prepare for the upcoming season. With Jansen’s departure, the team now has a handful of intriguing options, each with strengths and weaknesses.

Candidates for the Job: Proven Veterans and Rising Stars

The list of contenders for the Red Sox closer position offers a mix of experience and potential. Leading the pack are two household names: three-time All-Star Liam Hendriks and seven-time All-Star Aroldis Chapman. Both players have storied careers and are no strangers to high-pressure situations, but questions linger over their current form.

• Liam Hendriks: Widely regarded as one of the top closers in baseball during his prime, Hendriks is an intriguing option. However, the 34-year-old hasn’t pitched a full season since 2022, making just five appearances in 2023 and missing all of 2024 due to injuries.
• The question remains: Can he return to dominance after such a lengthy absence?
• Aroldis Chapman: Known for his blazing fastball and postseason heroics, Chapman is another strong contender. He saved 14 games for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2024 but hasn’t served as a full-time closer since 2021.
• The seven-time All-Star’s ability to reclaim his former dominance is a major storyline to monitor.
• Justin Slaten: A younger option with potential, Slaten will need to prove he can handle high-leverage situations if he wants to secure the job.
• Garrett Whitlock: A versatile reliever with experience in a variety of bullpen roles, Whitlock offers flexibility but lacks the consistent ninth-inning experience many view as essential for a closer.
• Justin Wilson: A seasoned lefty, Wilson’s recent struggles in spring training may have dented his chances of securing the coveted role.

Spring Training Performances Add Intrigue

Performances in spring training allow teams to evaluate players in competitive scenarios, and for the Red Sox, the closer competition has already provided some intriguing drama.

Breaking Down the Numbers

Hendriks and Chapman had the chance to showcase their abilities in recent outings against the Tampa Bay Rays, but their performances raised as many questions as answers.

In his appearance, Aroldis Chapman struck out one batter but allowed two walks in 2/3 of an inning. The lack of control is a concern for a closer, where managing walks is key to shutting down the opposition in the final frame.

Similarly, Liam Hendriks pitched a full inning, allowing one hit while striking out a batter. While his performance was steadier, it’s still unclear if he can consistently return to his All-Star form.

On the other hand, Justin Wilson was shelled for five runs (three earned) on four hits and a walk in just 2/3 of an inning, resulting in a disappointing outing.

With such a poor performance, his chances of securing the closer position seem increasingly slim. The coaching staff will need to weigh current form against past track records as they make their decision.

A Role Still Up for Grabs

While the Red Sox have clear front-runners in Hendriks and Chapman, neither has solidified their grip on the closer role just yet. Meanwhile, younger players like Slaten and Whitlock remain in the mix, ready to step up if the veterans falter.

Boston’s bullpen equation is far from resolved, making this an exciting narrative to follow as the team progresses through spring training and into the regular season.

What This Means for the Red Sox

The outcome of this closer competition could shape the Red Sox’s season. If the team can find a consistent, reliable option to lock down the ninth inning, it will significantly boost their chances of contending in a competitive AL East.

Conversely, instability in the bullpen could become a season-long headache.

For Red Sox fans, the battle for the closer role is a storyline worth keeping a close eye on.

The Red Sox’s decision will ultimately come down to a blend of performance, health, and trust.

Will Hendriks or Chapman reignite their careers and seize the opportunity? Or will a younger, hungrier reliever step into the spotlight?

The answer could determine whether Boston locks down their late-game leads—or sees their postseason hopes slip away.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Red Sox’s 2025 Closer Competition Takes Major Step