This spring training, the Boston Red Sox bullpen is highly competitive.
The Red Sox added to it Sunday by signing veteran reliever Matt Moore to a minor league contract. Moore also received a non-roster invitation to spring training.
Moore wasted little time trying to make an early impression during a bullpen session on Sunday. And, while the 35-year-old lefty is well past his prime, having pitched in the majors for 13 seasons has its advantages.
“Just another experienced guy that is going to compete for a spot,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora told reporters, per MLB.com’s Ian Browne. “He had a great season a few years ago. He understands what he needs to do. Physically, he looks great, just like Adam (Ottavino), just another adult in the room. They’ve been there for a while in this grind, and they understand what it takes. Where we are as a team now, experience comes into play.”
The Red Sox seem to have two lefty relievers ticketed for the Opening Day roster in Aroldis Chapman and Justin Wilson, both of whom were signed this offseason. But a third lefty in Boston’s bullpen — if the Red Sox go in that direction — is a job that is up for grabs.
Moore joins Brennan Bernadino and Zach Penrod — both are on the 40-man roster — along with fellow non-roster invitees Jovani Moran and Sean Newcomb fighting for that possible spot.
Moore made 51 relief appearances for the Los Angeles Angels last season and posted a 5.03 ERA. But as Cora mentioned, he’s not far removed from dominant campaigns. Moore resurrected his career in 2022 with the Texas Rangers and was lights out again the following season pitching for the Miami Marlins, Cleveland Guardians and Angels. Over those two seasons, Moore went 10-3 with a 2.20 ERA, 1.168 WHIP and struck out 143 batters in 126 2/3 innings.
Red Sox fans know Moore from when he broke into the majors with the Tampa Bays Rays in 2011 and spent parts of six seasons pitching for the franchise.
The Red Sox are Moore’s ninth organization in his career.