Marcus Walden

Walden appeared to have solidified himself as a solid reliever for the Red Sox by posting a 3.79 ERA with 90 strikeouts and 35 walks across 92.2 innings between both the 2018 and 2019 campaigns. However, he took a significant step back in the shortened 2020 campaign, as he was crushed by opposing batters and allowed 14 earned runs across 13.1 frames with 10 strikeouts and nine walks. Much of that damage came in two games, when he surrendered six and three runs, respectively. Walden returned from a midseason demotion to salvage his season in part, closing the campaign with four scoreless efforts in his final six appearances. Heading into 2021, it will be important to monitor Walden's velocity, as he lost nearly 1.5 mph on all of his pitches during the shortened 2020 season. While not likely to factor into the saves picture, Walden should have the opportunity to regain his role as solid middle reliever.