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Red Sox: 3 players we can’t afford to lose this season

By Scott Edwards

BOSTON, MA - AUGUST 13: J.D. Martinez #28 of the Boston Red Sox(Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - AUGUST 13: J.D. Martinez #28 of the Boston Red Sox(Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 08: Matt Barnes #32 of the Boston Red Sox throws a pitch during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on September 8, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies won 6-5. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 08: Matt Barnes #32 of the Boston Red Sox throws a pitch during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on September 8, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies won 6-5. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) /

2. Matt Barnes

It’s rare that fans value relievers, but that’s what Red Sox supporters should be doing when it comes to Matt Barnes. Entering a contract season, he will be a name to watch especially when the trade deadline comes around. It was only last year when the Red Sox moved Brandon Workman to the Philadelphia Phillies and clearly won the trade with Workman struggling and re-entering free agency after the fact. But Barnes has a more impressive track record as the key cog in the Red Sox bullpen for seasons.

He was the man the Red Sox needed a big out from in the 2018 World Series run, and still can be even if his numbers don’t reflect it. His 4.38 ERA in 2020 isn’t reflective of the pitcher he can be. Barnes has always had the strikeout pitch to his advantage and can be one of the best set-up pitchers in MLB when he is on top of his game.

He, more than Martinez, will be one of the top relievers on the market come the 2021 trade deadline and the Red Sox will certainly look to move him if they are out of the hunt. Considering their bullpen struggles the past two seasons, losing Barnes would only put them in a bigger hole, possibly derailing any hopes of contention for 2021 and beyond.

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