With Spring Training quickly approaching, the Red Sox roster is far from set. Boston is coming off of a disappointing 2020 season in which they finished last in the AL East. However, help could be on its way as they are reportedly showing interest in free agent Alex Colome. The veteran reliever is one of baseball’s most underrated arms and would improve the Red Sox bullpen.
Colome is coming off a career year in which he posted a 0.81 ERA. The 32-year-old was also nearly unhittable as he held opponents to a .163 batting average. Colome’s impressive season put him in elite company as he was a finalist for the AL Reliever of the Year Award. While Colome didn’t win the award, he was a key part of the Chicago White Sox success.
Additionally, Colome has been of the most effective closers over the past two years. Since joining the White Sox, he has converted 42 of his 46 save opportunities. Although the veteran reliever has 161 saves on his resume, it is the best two year stretch of his career. With the Red Sox closer job still to be decided, Colome could be a solution.
The Astros, Red Sox, Nationals and Twins are among the teams interested in free-agent reliever Alex Colome.
Colome worked w/ Twins manager Rocco Baldelli in Tampa. Astros (James Click), Red Sox (Chaim Bloom) and Nationals (Dave Martinez and Jim Hickey) all have ties to Colome.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) January 2, 2021
Colome’s Chances Of Coming To Boston
As the Red Sox turn the page to 2021, Colome would be a nice under the radar move. The Dominican Republic native would also be a familiar face for Red Sox General Manager Chaim Bloom. Colome began his career in Tampa Bay before being dealt to the Seattle Mariners in 2018. During Colome’s time in Tampa, he was also an All-Star and had a career-high 47 saves in 2017.
While Colome would be a welcomed addition, it is unknown how aggressive the Red Sox are in their pursuit. They have been connected to many pitchers in free agency but have not made any major additions. Their main concern has been improving the rotation, but they also need another late-inning arm in the bullpen. The free-agent closer is not expected to be an expensive addition as he is projected to sign a one-year deal.
Alex Colome's cutter last season:
.154 BAA
33% whiff rate
0 HR allowedh/t @soxgifs pic.twitter.com/nX8ElaLp5Z
— Rafa Nieves (@mlb_agent) January 3, 2021
Additionally, Colome’s future is not expected to be decided soon. Three other teams are showing interest, and the free-agent market has moved slowly. There is, however, a lot to like about Colome. He would give the Red Sox pitching staff a much-needed jolt as they look to return to the postseason.
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Main Credit Image: Embed from Getty Images
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