Roman Mendez

Mendez pitched for two organizations in 2015, starting out with Texas and finishing up with Boston, the team that initially signed him in 2007. The Red Sox claimed him off waivers in September at a time when they were desperate for arms and put him to use late in the season. Mendez had a combined 5.27 ERA in 15 games while walking eight batters in 13.2 innings at the major-league level. His control can get a bit wayward and he tends to give up fly balls. There will be openings in Boston’s bullpen, and while Mendez has a power arm they covet, the Red Sox have the money to sign experienced big-league relievers with track records. Boston is a big-market team that doesn’t need to hope they strike gold with another organization’s castoff. Mendez is occupying a spot on the 40-man, but he’s a prime candidate to be designated for assignment. The Red Sox wouldn’t mind keeping him if he sneaks through waivers, but not at the cost of a spot on the 40-man.