Behind the Boston Red Sox’s agonizing search for a starting infielder, they have bullpen needs. The Red Sox traded three lefty relievers (Luis Guerrero, Chris Murphy and Brennan Bernardino) on November 18 to make room on the 40-man roster to protect Rule-5 eligible prospects, but they haven’t replaced any of those lost arms.

Boston also lost lefty reliever Justin Wilson to free agency when the offseason began. The Red Sox still haven’t replaced him, either, but they’ve reportedly expressed interest in a few lefty relievers to do so, including Tim Mayza, Cionel Pérez and Danny Coulombe. According to Rob Bradford of WEEI, Boston hasn’t expressed much interest in reuniting with Wilson.

The lack of interest in Wilson is curious, since he was a staple of the Sox’s bullpen last season. He was, arguably, one of their more underrated arms — he posted a 3.35 ERA and a 123 ERA+ with 57 strikeouts and 20 walks over 48.1 innings of work. His whiff percentage ranked in the 91st percentile and his strikeout percentage in the 82nd percentile.

The Red Sox could be concerned about Wilson’s age, which might deter them from pursuing a reunion with him. The veteran is entering his age-39 season and injury or loss of strength could be a factor at that age.

Red Sox have not expressed real interest in reuniting with Justin Wilson despite need for lefty relievers

However, Wilson’s age could serve the Red Sox in a different way. Wilson has reportedly weighed retirement before and he may only want a one-year deal. Boston is right up against another luxury tax threshold and it could probably sign Wilson to a cheap, short term deal that would be well suited to its current financial situation.

The Red Sox may intend to lean on internal options as opposed to signing any free agent relievers, since money is so tight and they still need an infielder. Patrick Sandoval and Kyle Harrison are both lefties who aren’t likely to land a rotation spot given the competition (Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, Johan Oviedo, Connelly Early, etc.). They could be pushed to the ‘pen to occupy Wilson’s former spot (or they could be traded as part of a package for an infielder).

Reuniting with Wilson could be an easy way to bring another lefty will years of experience — and a good track record in Boston — back to the bullpen, but concerns about his age and durability are valid. It will be interesting to see where he ends up, and if the Red Sox sign any relievers at all.