If you think the opening day bullpen is the one that will be used for 162 games, you’re sorely mistaken. Injuries happen. Relievers are streaky. One team may discard a fringe MLB pitcher, and another likes their stuff enough to add them to the roster. Trades and prospect promotions are inevitable as well. Not every reliever is a closer. The nature of the position allows you to get by with one or two above-average skills. The Red Sox used 25 relievers last season. They’ll probably use another 20-something this season, including many names that aren’t on this list right now.
2025 Red Sox Season Preview: Middle Relief
