Red Sox make first offseason signing by inking lefty reliever Justin Wilson
The Red Sox have made their first offseason free agent signing.
According to a major league source, the Sox have come to an agreement with left-handed relief pitcher Justin Wilson on a one-year deal. The contract will pay the 37-year-old $2.250 million for one year, with the opportunity to make up to $3 million on performances bonuses. (Robert Murray of Fansided first reported the agreement.)
The bonus structure is based on games pitched, with five levels maxing out at 60 games. Wilson pitched in 60 games for the Reds last season, totaling a 5.59 ERA and 4.73 FIP.
The southpaw was actually worse against lefty batters (.318 batting average and .919 OPS against) in 2024 than right-handers (.260/.754).
Wilson missed all of the 2022 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. After signing with the Brewers in 2023, he ultimately didn't pitch that year, either, experiencing a season-ending lat injury. Wilson signed a minor-league deal with the Dodgers heading into last spring training, but opted out in Mid-March to ink a one-year, $1.5 million big league contract with Cincinnati.
Wilson has primarily been somewhat of a reverse-split pitcher, with lefty (.704) batters managing a better OPS against him than right-handers (.650)
Other left-handed relievers currently on the Red Sox' 40-man roster include Brennan Bernardino, Bailey Horn, Cam Booser, Zach Penrod and Chris Murphy (who is recovering from Tommy John surgery).
