Veteran Red Sox Reliever Nick Burdi Elects Free Agency After Injury-Plagued 2025 Season

Veteran relief pitcher Nick Burdi, who spent the 2025 season with the Boston Red Sox organization, elected free agency after an injury-plagued year that limited his major league appearances. Burdi, 32, posted strong numbers in Triple-A Worcester with a 2.83 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 35 innings but was hampered by foot and hip injuries, keeping him off Boston's playoff roster. His major league career includes stints with the Pirates, Cubs, Yankees, and Red Sox, and he is expected to seek opportunities elsewhere in 2026. Meanwhile, the Houston Astros lost versatile infielder Zack Short to free agency after a season with limited playing time due to the return of Carlos Correa, who solidified the Astros' infield and reduced Short's role. Despite a strong bullpen performance in 2025, the Astros plan to bolster their relief pitching during the offseason, considering various free agent options to compensate for injuries and the loss of closer Josh Hader. On the other side, the Red Sox, while having one of the best bullpens in the American League, could look to add right-handed relief help, with former Red Sox and Astros reliever Tayler Scott available on a minor-league deal despite a poor 2025 season, potentially fitting Boston's approach to pitcher development.