Red Sox reportedly interested in reliever Danny Coulombe

Boston Red Sox

The veteran southpaw sported a 2.30 ERA in 55 appearances this past season.

Though the 2025 MLB Winter Meetings have come and gone, the Red Sox still have a lot of work to do this offseason.

That includes solidifying their bullpen for 2026.

Boston is reportedly interested in free agent left-handed relief pitcher Danny Coulombe, according to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo.

The Red Sox’ bullpen should largely remain the same as it was in 2025, with the exception of Steven Matz and Justin Wilson, who became free agents. Coulombe, who pitched for the Orioles in 2023 and ’24, would fill Wilson’s shoes well.

Coulombe, 36, posted a stellar 1.16 ERA through 40 appearances with the Twins in the first half of last season. He tossed 43 innings and recorded 31 strikeouts and just nine walks.

After being dealt to the Rangers at the trade deadline, Coulombe struggled. He owned a 5.25 ERA in 15 games and 12 innings of work, striking out 12 batters and walking nine down the stretch. Coulombe ended 2025 with a 9.0 strikeouts per nine innings mark and 6.8 walks per nine.

While Wilson didn’t post as spectacular stats as Coulombe did in the first half, their impacts were ultimately similar. Wilson finished the season with a 3.35 ERA across 48.1 innings. He struck out 57 batters and allowed just 20 walks in comparison (10.6 K/9, 3.7 BB/9).

Both lefties sported a 0.6 home runs per nine mark in 2025. Notably, Coulombe does not throw as hard as Wilson; Coulombe’s average fastball velocity is 90.3 miles per hour, per Baseball Savant. Wilson’s is over four ticks higher at 94.5 MPH.

Last month, Boston’s chief baseball officer Craig Breslow told reporters at the league’s general manager meetings that he doesn’t believe the bullpen needs “a major addition” this offseason. He said he anticipated acquiring “a Justin Wilson-type” arm.

Breslow noted, though, that the organization is “open to exploring all ways of improving run prevention — including the bullpen,” via The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier.

Kaley Brown

Sports producer

Kaley Brown is a sports producer for Boston.com, where she covers the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox.