Red Sox Bullpen Lacks Left-Handed Depth Ahead of Spring Training

Boston has several options to compete for bullpen spots, but most lack big-league experience

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Boston Red Sox have several left-handed pitchers competing for bullpen spots this spring, but the group lacks significant major league experience. The team lost some key lefty relievers in the offseason, creating an opportunity for younger arms like Tyler Samaniego, Jovani Morán, and Alec Gamboa to earn roster spots. While the Red Sox have options, the lack of proven big-league production from the left side of the bullpen is a concern heading into the new season.

Why it matters

The Red Sox bullpen was a weakness last season, and the loss of several left-handed relievers in the offseason has left the team with a lot of unproven options from the left side. Establishing a reliable left-handed presence in the bullpen will be crucial for Boston to improve its overall pitching staff and compete in the AL East.

The details

Boston entered spring training with Aroldis Chapman, Jovani Morán, Patrick Sandoval, Payton Tolle, Tyler Samaniego, Alec Gamboa, T.J. Sikkema, and Jeremy Wu-Yelland as left-handed options for the bullpen. Of that group, only Chapman, Morán, Sandoval, Tolle, and Samaniego are currently on the 40-man roster. The Red Sox lost several key lefty relievers in the offseason, including Justin Wilson, Steven Matz, Brennan Bernardino, and Chris Murphy. Samaniego, acquired in a trade with the Pirates, is an intriguing unknown after missing time with injuries the last few seasons. Morán is out of minor league options and must make the team or risk being moved, while Gamboa provides versatility as both a starter and reliever.

  • The Red Sox entered spring training with the left-handed bullpen options.

The players

Aroldis Chapman

A veteran left-handed reliever currently on the Red Sox 40-man roster.

Jovani Morán

A left-handed pitcher who is out of minor league options and must make the Red Sox roster or risk being moved.

Tyler Samaniego

A left-handed pitching prospect acquired from the Pirates, who has yet to pitch above Double-A but impressed in the minors when healthy.

Alec Gamboa

A left-handed pitcher signed as a minor league free agent, who has experience both starting and relieving, including a stint in the KBO last season.

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What they’re saying

“Morán is a guy that is very intriguing because throughout his career he's been able to get righties out, too. He's actually pitching for Ramón (Vázquez) in Puerto Rico. We asked him to do a few things to get lefties out. Hopefully we can accomplish that.”

— Alex Cora, Red Sox Manager

The takeaway

The Red Sox have several left-handed pitching options competing for bullpen spots this spring, but the lack of proven major league experience in the group is a concern. Establishing a reliable left-handed presence in the bullpen will be crucial for Boston to improve its pitching staff and contend in the AL East.