The Boston Red Sox faced a disappointing 5-4 defeat against the Minnesota Twins, with key relievers Garrett Whitlock and Justin Slaten struggling in crucial moments. Whitlock allowed a game-tying single to Ryan Jeffers in the seventh, while Slaten gave up an eighth-inning double to Harrison Bader, cementing the loss. The Red Sox's record fell to .500 (18-18), struggling particularly in one-run games with a record of 4-9.

Garrett Crochet performed decently despite the loss, striking out six over five innings but allowing a first-pitch home run to Byron Buxton. Wilyer Abreu broke out of a slump with a towering eighth-inning homer, and Romy Gonzalez continued to impress at first base, filling in for the injured Triston Casas. The Red Sox now have an off day before a three-game series against the Rangers, with Lucas Giolito slated to start.

The cost of drafting closers this spring has surged, with significant positioning in the early rounds. Five closers are currently going in the top 60, while 10 are in the top 100, and 20 in the top 200. Last season saw a similar trend, but only 4 of the 11 closers in the top 100 returned value, leading to concerns about this year's investments. Despite the high demand, the actual number of closers achieving 30 saves was just eight, with several underperforming in other categories such as ERA and WHIP.

Some lesser-known relievers may provide value later in drafts, and the article highlights 15 such pitchers outside the top 300 who could prove valuable, including Chris Martin and Calvin Faucher. Martin, for instance, possesses a solid track record but faces competition from newcomers. Meanwhile, other options like Edwin Uceta and Seth Halvorsen offer potential upside despite their teams’ challenges. It's crucial for fantasy players to consider both current performance and potential for saves when drafting closers this year.

The Boston Red Sox are actively reshaping their starting rotation ahead of the 2025 season, focusing on acquiring talent to address past deficiencies.

Key additions include left-hander Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox and veterans Walker Buehler and Patrick Sandoval, both of whom come with injury histories but significant potential.

With this revamped roster, the Red Sox aim to enhance their competitiveness and end their recent postseason struggles.

The Boston Red Sox have secured a two-year deal with left-handed pitcher Patrick Sandoval worth $18.25 million, as reported by ESPN's Jeff Passan. However, fans will have to wait to see him play, as he is recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Sandoval, previously with the Los Angeles Angels, had a mixed performance before his injury. The Red Sox are banking on his potential to enhance their rotation in the coming seasons, particularly in 2026.

The Boston Red Sox have signed free agent pitcher Patrick Sandoval to a two-year contract worth $18.25 million, despite him recovering from elbow surgery.

Sandoval, 28, is expected to miss the first half of the 2025 season after undergoing an internal brace procedure for a torn UCL. He was previously non-tendered by the Los Angeles Angels, making him a free agent.

In 2024, Sandoval had a disappointing record of 2-8 with a 5.08 ERA before his injury, while his best season was in 2022 with a 6-9 record and a 2.91 ERA.