White Sox: Could A Reunion With Addison Reed Help Solidify Bullpen?
By Matt Manetti
The White Sox bullpen will be a major area of concern going into 2018. A reunion with Addison Reed could give the bullpen some much-needed depth.
The Chicago White Sox seem to have a bright future ahead of them. One area of concern is going to be the bullpen however. It started as an area strength this season, but the Sox quickly moved everyone of value for more prospects. Now, Rick Hahn will need to add depth to a depleted bullpen.
The future closer was Zack Burdi but he’ll likely miss most of 2018 recovering from Tommy John Surgery. Carson Fulmer could be a closer but he had a great start against the Giants this past Sunday. It also seems like the organization figures him to be a starter. So where do the White Sox go from here? How about with a familiar face like Addison Reed.
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The former White Sox closer will be a free agent. Remember Reed was traded to the Diamondbacks in exchange for Matt Davidson. He served as the D’backs closer and 32 saves in his only full season with the club in 2014. He was traded during the 2015 season to the Mets where he carved out a role as an effective setup man.
In fact, Reed had a 2.57 ERA in his three seasons in New York. That includes a season in which he appeared in 80 games and a 1.97 ERA with 91 strikeouts in 2016. Reed has definitely showed he can perform in high-level situations. Which is why the Red Sox acquired him. For the season, Reed is 2-3 with a 3.17 ERA in 66 games. He also has 19 saves. Now with his impending free agency and the White Sox need in the bullpen, a reunion makes a lot of sense.
He wouldn’t necessarily have to be the closer. Rick Renteria could use him as his setup man in the seventh or eighth inning. And he could occasionally pitch in save situations if they’ve used their closer too much. Reed has proved since he left this organization that he can handle high-leverage situations and also be a closer if needed. The bullpen will need some veteran arms to help the younger guys along. And he’s someone who the organization will be familiar with.
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Reed is slated to make $7.75 million this season. That seems like a modest salary for someone that’s been effective like him. It’s tough to tell right now what his market will look like. But if he continues pitching well, the Red Sox may be interested in his services. Still, the White Sox need help in their bullpen and it’s an area they may need to spend money in order to fill voids. Bottom line is both parties are familiar with each other and Reed would fill an area of need.