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Boston Red Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet (35) works against the Toronto Blue Jays (Image via AP)
The Boston Red Sox are being linked with a return for Justin Wilson as free agency moves toward the end of February. The left-hander is still available, and his 2025 season has kept him in consideration for teams looking to add bullpen depth.Wilson is 38 and nearing the end of his career, but he remains a usable option.
For Boston, the appeal is simple. He knows the team, and he can still get outs without a large financial commitment.
Expected contract and structure
The likely deal is a one-year contract worth around $3 to $3.5 million. That would be slightly higher than the $2.25 million he made in 2025.The contract would likely include incentives. These could be tied to appearance totals, such as 40, 45, and 50 games, along with bonuses for holds. Justin Wilson has also made it clear he wants to play for a competitive team, especially if this ends up being his final season.
Where he fits in the bullpen
Boston Red Sox Justin Wilson (Image via Getty)
Boston Red Sox already has defined roles late in games. Aroldis Chapman is the closer, while Justin Slaten, Greg Weissert, and Jordan Hicks handle right-handed duties.The left side is thinner. Wilson would give them a steady option without taking innings away from younger pitchers like Jovani Morán or Tyler Samaniego. He can face both left- and right-handed hitters and handle more than one inning if needed.There is also no adjustment period. He has pitched in Boston before and understands how to work in Fenway Park.
His numbers last season support that. He stranded runners at a high rate and kept the ball on the ground often enough to limit damage.
What Justin Wilson gets from the move
Boston Red Sox offer a chance to pitch in meaningful games. The roster has improved, and there is a clear path to a postseason push. That matters for a player at this stage of his career.A one-year deal also makes sense for him. It gives him a stable role without a long-term commitment. If this is his final season, he would be doing it with a team trying to win.
Pros and cons
| Aspect | Pros | Cons |
| Performance | 3.35 ERA, 10.6 K/9, elite vs. RHB (.212 BAA vs. LHB in splits); fully healthy post-TJS | Elevated 9.7% BB/9, .362 BABIP regression risk; reverse splits (.306 vs. RHB) |
| Fit | Fills situational lefty gap cheaply; 56 appearances in ’25 prove durability | Age 38 raises velo drop concern (95.0 mph fastball, down from 95.5) |
| Cost/Risk | Affordable 1-yr deal; incentives cap exposure | Retirement threat if unmet; blocks unproven arms like Payton Tolle |
2025 season numbers
Justin Wilson pitched 48.1 innings in 2025 and gave Boston consistent work out of the bullpen.
| Metric | Value | MLB Rank (Relievers, min 40 IP) |
| ERA | 3.35 | Top 30% |
| WHIP | 1.41 | Middle pack |
| K/9 | 10.6 | Top 25% |
| BB/9 | 3.7 | Bottom 40% |
| HR/9 | 0.6 | Elite |
| vs. RHB | .306 BAA, 32 K | Strong multi-inning eater |
| vs. LHB | .212 BAA, 25 K | Solid LOOGY option |
He is listed at 6’2” and 205 pounds and would add experience to a bullpen that still has several younger arms.Also read: MLB trade rumors: San Diego Padres looking at $5.8 million veteran pitcher to add rotation depth ahead of offseasonThis move works for both sides. Boston Red Sox gets a left-handed reliever it can trust without spending much. Justin Wilson gets a chance to pitch for a team that is trying to compete. The main concern is his age, but on a one-year deal, the risk is limited.
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