Throwing Strikes to Breslow and Bailey

By Chris Felico

In an effort to revive a Boston Red Sox pitching staff that had grown stagnant and unreliable, the organization turned to two familiar faces with modern approaches: Craig Breslow and Andrew Bailey. Brought in to replace the previous regime led by Chaim Bloom, whose tenure was marked by a failure to adequately stock both the major league roster and the farm system with pitching depth, Breslow (now Chief Baseball Officer) and Bailey (pitching coach) were tasked with a full-scale overhaul of the Red Sox's approach to pitching development.

Their mission was clear: use modern analytics, biomechanical assessments, and data-driven pitch design to unlock the full potential of Boston’s arms. Early signs showed promise, with improvements in strikeout rates, pitch shapes, and velocity increases across the staff. The Red Sox’s commitment to individualized development—tailoring mechanics and usage to a pitcher’s strengths—has begun to reshape the way the club approaches pitching, from Triple-A Worcester to Fenway Park.

However, the on-field results in 2025 have been mixed, particularly when it matters most. The bullpen, which underwent significant changes over the offseason, remains inconsistent in high-leverage situations. Despite an upgraded philosophy and fresh talent, the relief corps has struggled to shut the door in tight games—something that has kept the team hovering around mediocrity in a competitive AL East.

While the shift from Bloom’s cautious, long-term view to Breslow’s more assertive, performance-based model is welcome, the challenge now lies in translating that vision into late-game success. If the Red Sox hope to return to contention, solving their bullpen issues—and executing in the moments that matter—will be the next frontier for Boston’s new pitching braintrust.

But with modern tools in place and old problems still lingering, the question remains: is it the philosophy that needs more time—or the roster that needs more change?