Red Sox relieving options starting to dwindle

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The Red Sox are known to be looking for a late-inning reliever. After Thursday, their options are seem to be shrinking.

A flurry of news regarding the relieving market came out Thursday night, perhaps highlighted by Andrew Miller reportedly closing in on a multi-year deal with St. Louis. The other lefty relief pitcher viewed as a possible game-ender, Zach Britton, was supposedly in the crosshairs of the Phillies.

A deal that was reportedly agreed upon was between Joakim Soria and Oakland, with the 34-year-old in line to get $15 million over two years. 

All of this comes after the agreement made between Joe Kelly and the Dodgers (3 years, $25 million) and Jeurys Familia signing with the Mets on a three-year, $30 million deal.

The news leaves the Red Sox seemingly looking at David Robertson, Adam Ottavino and Craig Kimbrel. Kelvin Herrera (who is coming off foot surgery) might also be an option on a shorter-term deal.

According to Jon Heyman of FanCred, Robertson (who represents himself) is looking for a three-year deal but the Red Sox may be digging in on a two-year offer for the 34-year-old. Kimbrel's asking price, per Heyman, is also thought to be dropping from his initial six-year demands, although the closer is still thought to be looking at getting a payday upwards of $80 million. 

At the recent MLB winter meetings, Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski made it clear he was not willing to invest significantly in the late-inning relief market. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, however, suggests Kimbrel's market still is driving the bus when it comes to the Sox' approach in free agency.

According to a source, it appears that the Red Sox are waiting to see what happens with Craig Kimbrel before making any moves in the relief market.

— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 21, 2018

Dombrowski has said the Red Sox are content in using internal options Matt Barnes and/or Ryan Brasier as their closer. He also noted the team felt no need to designate who would get the role prior to spring training.