The Boston Red Sox have made significant moves to bolster their pitching staff, signaling a commitment to competing in the 2025 MLB season. These additions come amid a challenging start to the season, with the team striving to improve its performance in one-run games and address bullpen inconsistencies.([Over the Monster][1])
### Walker Buehler Returns to the Mound
In a notable development, the Red Sox activated right-handed pitcher Walker Buehler from the 15-day injured list to start against the New York Mets on May 20. Buehler had been sidelined since April 26 due to bursitis in his right shoulder. Prior to his injury, he had posted a 4-1 record with a 4.28 ERA over six starts. His return is expected to provide a significant boost to the starting rotation. ([Reuters][2])
### Nick Burdi’s Promotion to the Majors
The Red Sox have also promoted right-handed pitcher Nick Burdi to the major league roster. Burdi, known for his high-velocity fastball reaching up to 98.5 mph, has impressed in the minors with a 0.48 ERA in 13 high-leverage appearances. At 32 years old, Burdi’s career has been hampered by injuries, including two Tommy John surgeries and thoracic outlet syndrome surgery. However, his strikeout ability and recent performance make him a valuable addition to the bullpen. ([Over the Monster][1])
### Strengthening the Bullpen with Aroldis Chapman
To further reinforce the bullpen, the Red Sox signed veteran left-handed reliever Aroldis Chapman to a one-year, \$10.75 million deal. Chapman, a seven-time All-Star and two-time World Series winner, brings a wealth of experience and a powerful fastball to the team. Last season, he recorded 14 saves with a 3.79 ERA over 68 appearances for the Pittsburgh Pirates. ([CBSSports.com][3], [UPI][4])
### Long-Term Commitment to Garrett Crochet
In a strategic move, the Red Sox extended left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet with a six-year, \$170 million contract. Crochet, who was acquired from the Chicago White Sox, was an All-Star in 2024 and is expected to be a cornerstone of the team’s pitching staff for years to come. ([Sporting News][5])
### Looking Ahead
With these strategic additions, the Red Sox are aiming to strengthen their pitching staff and remain competitive in the American League East. The team’s management is hopeful that these moves will translate into improved performance on the mound and better results in close games. As the season progresses, the effectiveness of these new additions will be crucial in determining the team’s success.
[1]: https://www.overthemonster.com/2025/5/19/24432528/red-sox-promote-pitcher-nick-burdi-meet-the-new-guy?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Meet The New Guy: Nick Burdi”
[2]: https://www.reuters.com/sports/red-sox-activate-rhp-walker-buehler-start-vs-mets-2025-05-20/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Red Sox activate RHP Walker Buehler to start vs. Mets”
[3]: https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/mlb-free-agency-red-sox-add-aroldis-chapman-to-bullpen-on-one-year-10-75-million-deal-per-report/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “MLB free agency: Red Sox add Aroldis Chapman to bullpen on one-year, $10.75 million deal, per report – CBSSports.com”
[4]: https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/MLB/2024/12/03/Red-Sox-agree-107M-pitcher-Aroldis-Chapman/9901733242642/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Boston Red Sox agree to $10.7M deal with free-agent pitcher Aroldis Chapman – UPI.com”
[5]: https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb/boston-red-sox/news/red-sox-make-shocking-decision-all-star-pitcher/6a0ddd25385996c83291af91?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Red Sox make shocking decision with All-Sta
r pitcher | Sporting News”
