Garrett Whitlock

Back in a full-time relief role after an elbow injury limited him to just 18.1 innings in 2024, Whitlock streamlined his pitch mix, scrapping his four-seam fastball and cutter entirely while effectively ditching his sweeper as well, throwing it only one percent of the time in 2025. The 29-year-old primarily tossed sinkers (47 percent usage), sliders (31 percent) and changeups (21 percent) - shifting from a five-pitch arsenal to just three - while notably throwing more sliders at a career-high clip. Whitlock was outstanding, recording the 2nd-best ERA among relief pitchers after the All-Star break before finishing the season with a career-best 31.1 percent strikeout rate, 16.7 swinging strike percentage and 24 holds (T-16th). After serving up 13 homers during his last full season in 2023, Whitlock permitted only two last year for a 0.25 HR/9 that ranked third among qualified relievers. After a strong campaign, the righty should open 2026 as Boston's primary setup man. Read Past Outlooks