Red Sox Must Handle Garrett Whitlock with Care After WBC Workload
The Red Sox are facing a critical decision regarding Garrett Whitlock’s workload after his impressive yet taxing performance in the World Baseball Classic. Whitlock emerged as a standout player, showcasing his skills on the mound throughout March, but his journey ended in disappointment, raising concerns about his readiness for the upcoming MLB season.
Before taking the mound in the ninth inning of the WBC Final against Venezuela, Whitlock had established himself as one of the best setup men in baseball, particularly during the second half of the 2025 season. He did not allow a run in his first three appearances, including a crucial scoreless inning against the formidable Dominican Republic lineup in the semifinals, where he struck out two batters.
However, the ninth inning against Venezuela proved to be a different story. After Bryce Harper’s dramatic game-tying, two-run home run, Whitlock was called upon by manager Alex Cora to pitch in a high-pressure situation. Unlike other relievers like Padres closer Mason Miller and Yankees reliever David Bednar, Whitlock was expected to log more innings with a world title on the line. This was a heavy ask, especially for a pitcher gearing up for the regular season.
Venezuela capitalized on Whitlock’s fatigue, as Eugenio Suarez delivered a decisive hit—a 3-2 changeup that found the left-center gap, scoring Javier Sanoja for the go-ahead run. The loanDepot Park crowd erupted as the United States ultimately fell, echoing a similar disappointment from three years ago when Japan claimed the 2023 crown.
For Whitlock, this marked another instance where a single mistake overshadowed a period of dominance. The Red Sox had relied on him heavily in previous seasons, particularly as a multi-inning reliever—a role he excelled in. In 2025, however, his transition to one-inning stints saw him post a remarkable 0.34 ERA after the All-Star break.
As the Red Sox faced the New York Yankees in the American League Wild Card series, Whitlock entered Game 2 with the game tied at three. Although his stuff appeared sharp, the increased pitch count took its toll. On his 39th pitch, Austin Wells hit a single that allowed Jazz Chisholm Jr. to score from first base, ultimately deciding the game in favor of the Yankees. This performance, combined with his struggles in the WBC, signals a pressing need for the Red Sox to manage Whitlock’s innings carefully as the season begins.
The World Baseball Classic, while showcasing elite talent, often demands high-stress pitches from relievers before they can properly prepare for the regular season. Whitlock’s velocity showed signs of fatigue, a trend the Red Sox cannot afford as they look to protect their reliable setup man. Having already lost significant time during the brutal starting pitching experiment from 2022 to 2024, the Red Sox must prioritize Whitlock’s health moving forward.
The backbone of Boston’s bullpen relies heavily on the exceptional pair of Whitlock and rejuvenated All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman. As the season approaches, Cora, pitching coach Andrew Bailey, and the Red Sox staff may need to explore alternative options early on to ensure Whitlock remains fresh. The team’s success in 2026 could very well depend on their ability to manage his workload effectively.
Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.
