The case for free agent Aaron Nola
Another member of the 2013 Red Sox' bullpen is reportedly close to rejoining his old club as a member of its coaching staff.
Andrew Bailey, who spent two seasons with the Red Sox, is becoming the team's pitching coach, replacing Dave Bush. Bailey had been serving with the Giants in the same position from 2020-23. The Athletic was first to report the reunion was close.
Bailey is very close friends with current Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow, with the pair co-founding the 'Strike 3 Foundation', a non-profit dedicated to funding pediatric cancer research.
The 39-year-old retired from playing prior to the 2018 season, having spent eight years in the majors. He joined the Red Sox in 2012, coming from the A's in a deal that also included Ryan Sweeney coming to Boston in exchange for two minor leaguers and outfielder Josh Reddick.
Bailey missed most of the 2012 season after having reconstructive surgery on his thumb. He bounced back to take over the closer role for the first part of the 2013 campaign before being diagnosed with a season-ending labrum tear in his right shoulder in July.
The stint with the Red Sox came after a solid three seasons in Oakland, where he compiled 75 saves while winning the 2009 American League Rookie of the Year and making two A.L. All-Star teams.
After his time with the Sox, Bailey went on to pitch for the Yankees, Phillies and Angels. It was with Los Angeles he immediately got into coaching after his playing career, serving as the Angels' instant replay coordinator before taking over as bullpen coach in 2019.
Bailey was being considered for the bench coaching job with the Yankees, as well as the pitching coach spots in Baltimore and Miami.