2019 Projected Red Sox MLB Roster

The Bullpen is an interesting exercise:
1. Barnes and Brasier have been named by DDo. That’s two of seven.
2. He also expressed interest in Kelly returning and Kelly would like to spend his career here. If they can agree on a contract, that’s three.
3. What happens to Hembree and Workman. No options. Lots of Sox history there, and talent, for a combined $3M. That’s easier to build around than let go.
4. Are Sipp and/or Wilson better options, and at what cost? Either way, that’s five.
5. Does Rhodie Robertson replace Kimbrel? That’s six.
6: Cora expressed a desire to gradually ease the hard working playoff starters into ST and the 2019 season. Sale, Price, Porcello, Eovaldi? But doesn’t that strategy require several long men out of the Pen like Johnson, Velasquez, Wright? Which would add up to nine.
7. But will Wright be ready? SP has Velasquez being stretched out in
AAA Rotation as he has an option.
8. In an all out effort to repeat, wouldn’t it be worth re-signing Pomerantz for three reasons: as Rotation depth in April, and as longman in the Pen; and as replacement for Porcello or Sale if they walk after 2019? This assumes Pom has recovered whatever he lost in 2018. The Sox would know.
9. I can see Poyner, Scott, Lakins, Feltman, Shawaryn, Houck Hernandez and others developing in AAA, but when ready, a few of them may be huge talents. Will there be room for them?
10. This also assumes re-signing Nathan Eovaldi to, among other heroic feats, keep the nyfy in second place.

DDo, AC and the FO have full plates figuring this one out, the makings of a really good Pen and post WS hangover Rotation. I hope
they have fun doing it.

In reality, they don't. Third year and thereafter just means more money for overages.

Put the money into pitching. March and April will begin with some tired arms due to multiple WS hangovers. Cora has already discussed easing them back. (The rotation will also face possible losses after the season). IMO getting ready for both issues is paramount during this offseason.

Assuming their health, re-signing both Eovaldi and Pomeranz seems like a good idea. Bringing back Sale, Price, Porcello, Eovaldi, ERod, Pom, Wright, Johnson, Velasquez gives the Sox Rotation well above average depth and flexibility, which they will need to repeat. There is room, even room for a Morton or Britton. SP suggests starting Velasquez in Pawtucket’s rotation to be stretched out. Wright will need some rehab time there as well. Pom and Johnson would again be valuable out of the Pen in Seattle, Oakland and Phoenix as long men, spot starters, even openers while helping 2019 start strong.

Velazquez is going nowhere until he's out of options. You don't get many pitchers of his quality that you can stash in AAA and not have to DFA him after a spot start.