Slaten, a 2019 draft pick by the Rangers, was selected by the Mets during the Rule 5 Draft last offseason. The 26-year-old was subsequently traded to Boston and impressed his new club during Grapefruit League play, flashing upper-90's velocity. Unsurprisingly, he made the Red Sox Opening Day roster and remained with the team all year. Slaten was an immediate fixture in Boston's high-leverage hierarchy, mixing four pitches effectively to a 2.93 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 58:9 K:BB across 55.1 frames. The rookie right-hander recorded 10 or more strikeouts on all four of his offerings, including 18 apiece on his four-seamer and sweeper. Elbow inflammation cost Slaten a month-and-a-half last summer, but it's exciting to think about what he could offer in a full season. Red Sox manager Alex Cora said in the past that he envisions Slaten as a potential long-term closer option and he certainly has the talent to emerge out of a save share with Liam Hendriks and Aroldis Chapman in 2025. Read Past Outlooks