Red Sox Sign Veteran Lefty Reliever 2 Weeks Before Opening Day

Danny Coulombe joins Boston's bullpen after a strong 2025 season with the Twins.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 11:36am

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The Boston Red Sox have signed 11-year MLB veteran left-handed reliever Danny Coulombe to a one-year, $1 million contract just two weeks before the start of the 2026 season. Coulombe had a 1.16 ERA in 31 innings with the Minnesota Twins last year before being traded to the Texas Rangers, where he struggled. The Red Sox were in need of a left-handed bullpen option after trading Brennan Bernardino and losing Steven Matz and Justin Wilson in free agency.

Why it matters

The Red Sox were lacking a reliable left-handed reliever in their bullpen heading into the 2026 season, and the addition of Coulombe helps address that need. As a veteran with a strong track record, he could provide stability and effectiveness in the late innings against left-handed hitters.

The details

Coulombe, 36, will join the Red Sox on a one-year, $1 million contract. He had a dominant 1.16 ERA in 31 innings with the Twins last season before being traded to the Rangers, where he struggled with a 5.25 ERA in 12 innings. The Red Sox were in need of a left-handed bullpen option after trading Brennan Bernardino and losing Steven Matz and Justin Wilson in free agency.

  • The Red Sox signed Coulombe on March 13, 2026, just two weeks before the start of the 2026 MLB season.

The players

Danny Coulombe

A 36-year-old left-handed relief pitcher who has played 11 seasons in the major leagues, most recently with the Minnesota Twins and Texas Rangers.

Craig Breslow

The Red Sox's chief baseball officer, who is a former left-handed relief pitcher himself and played 12 seasons in the majors, including five with the Red Sox.

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What they’re saying

“We continue to explore opportunities. We also feel good about the group we have.”

— Craig Breslow, Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer (MassLive)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This signing highlights the Red Sox's need to bolster their bullpen, especially with left-handed relief options, heading into the 2026 season. Coulombe's past success with the Twins suggests he could provide a steady presence in the late innings, but his struggles with the Rangers last year raise some questions about his consistency.