Red Sox free agent lefty may retire instead of signing a new contract

4 days ago 2

Red Sox free agent lefty may retire instead of signing a new contract originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

One of the top left-handed relief pitchers remaining in free agency may not sign a contract at all.

Instead, Justin Wilson could choose retirement.

That's the new report from The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon on Wednesday morning.

"Veteran pitcher Justin Wilson, perhaps the best lefty reliever available in free agency, is considering retirement, league sources said," they wrote. "It is unlikely Wilson, 38, pitches in 2026 unless it is on a fair deal with a legitimate World Series contender."

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The southpaw pitched in 61 games for the Red Sox in 2025. He had a 3.38 ERA.

In his career across 13 seasons, Wilson has a 3.59 ERA.

"One major accomplishment that has eluded Wilson — who starred in the College World Series for winner Fresno State in 2008 — is a World Series ring," The Athletic writes.

The relief pitcher market has moved much faster this offseason than the starting market.

There aren't a ton of southpaws left out there.

"With or without Wilson, Danny Coulombe is right at the top of the list of available lefty relievers, too," The Athletic writes. "Coulombe, 36, is engaged with five teams, league sources said."

Wilson will likely weigh his options as the season gets closer before deciding. As a veteran, he surely knows how to have his body ready to pitch if one final opportunity presents itself.