Red Sox Urged to Call Up Top Pitching Prospect to Bolster Bullpen

Boston's No. 7 prospect Jake Bennett could provide relief for struggling relief corps

Apr. 18, 2026 at 8:52pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's windup and delivery, with sharp planes of navy blue, crimson red, and white, conceptually representing the Red Sox bullpen's need for a boost from a top prospect.A cubist interpretation of a Red Sox pitcher's explosive delivery, hinting at the team's bullpen struggles and the potential impact of a top prospect's arrival.Boston Today

The Boston Red Sox have struggled with their bullpen so far in the 2026 season, ranking 8th in the American League after having the best bullpen in the league last year. Sports Illustrated's Patrick McAvoy is urging the Red Sox to call up their No. 7 prospect, left-handed pitcher Jake Bennett, from Triple-A to help stabilize the bullpen, especially as a long reliever alongside Aroldis Chapman.

Why it matters

The Red Sox's bullpen struggles have been a surprising weakness for the team, which is currently in fourth place in the AL East with an 8-11 record. Bringing up the highly touted Bennett could provide a boost to the relief corps and help the team get back on track.

The details

In 16 innings over four starts at Triple-A this season, Bennett has posted a 2-1 record with a 0.55 ERA, 13 strikeouts, and a 0.61 WHIP. McAvoy believes Bennett's blistering fastball and high potential make him an ideal candidate to join the major league bullpen, potentially as a long reliever behind closer Aroldis Chapman.

  • So far this season in AAA, Bennett has posted a 2-1 record, a 0.55 ERA, 13 Ks, and a WHIP of 0.61 in 16 innings pitched.

The players

Jake Bennett

The Boston Red Sox's No. 7 prospect, a left-handed pitcher who has been dominant in Triple-A this season with a 0.55 ERA and 0.61 WHIP.

Aroldis Chapman

The Red Sox's closer, who has been one of the few bright spots in the team's struggling bullpen.

Patrick McAvoy

A writer for Sports Illustrated who is urging the Red Sox to call up Bennett to help bolster their bullpen.

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What they’re saying

“The lefty got a lot of buzz throughout Spring Training with his blistering fastball and sky-high potential. He's Boston's No. 7 prospect and if he were in the bullpen, he'd arguably be among the top options for Boston right now...If Bennett keeps pitching the way he has, the club should consider a shift if they want another long man in the bullpen.”

— Patrick McAvoy, Writer, Sports Illustrated

What’s next

If the Red Sox's bullpen struggles continue, the team could call up Bennett from Triple-A to provide relief, potentially as a long man in the bullpen alongside closer Aroldis Chapman.

The takeaway

The Red Sox's bullpen has been a surprising weakness so far this season, but calling up their top pitching prospect Jake Bennett could help stabilize the relief corps and get the team back on track in the AL East.