Red Sox Adding 36-Year Old Lefty Reliever

Coulombe is joining his sixth team. He has pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers, the then-Oakland A’s, Minnesota Twins, Baltimore Orioles, and Texas Rangers.

Coulombe Looks to Follow Strong 2025

As the Red Sox looked for additional bullpen arms, Coulombe’s name was one that kept surfacing. Now, it is official.

The 35-year old from St. Louis split last season between the Twins and Rangers. He a 2.30 ERA and .205 opponent batting average. He held right-handed hitters to a .188 batting average, while holding left-handed hitters to a .225 average. Over his first 45 games, through August 11, the left-hander went 2-0 with two saves, a 1.01 ERA alongside a .183 opponent batting average. 

Since the start of 2022, Coulombe has posted a 2.38 ERA, which is the best among left-handed pitchers with a minimum of 100 innings pitched. Furthermore, he has not posted an ERA above 3.00 since 2021.

Role With the Red Sox

Coulombe joins a Red Sox bullpen that also includes lefty Aroldis Chapman. While Chapman will likely serve as the team’s closer, Coulombe can be a seventh or eighth inning option to try to bridge the gap between when the starter leaves and Chapman enters. Furthermore, manager Alex Core does not have to be as selective as to when Coulombe enters the game. Given right-handed hitters .188 average against him last season, Coulombe could be counted on to face elite power bats like Aaron Judge in key moments. Coulombe’s resume suggests Cora can trust him in that spot and ones like it.

Red Sox Continue to Add

For a Red Sox team looking to build off last season’s success and expand upon it, this is a strong addition for the team. The Red Sox were active this winter, but clearly, they are always looking to add reliable talent.

This is an organization that has not reached the World Series since 2018 and the American League Championship Series since 2021. Their is a thirst for success in Boston, and the organization is looking to deliver.