If you believe in fourth chances, then this has the perfect arc for a redemption story.
The Boston Red Sox made a HUGE move this week when they signed a guy who used to close out games in New York (for the Mets, not the Yankees, don't get your hopes up). That's right, Mets legend Jenrry Mejia is finally a member of the Red Sox. It's about time.
So I know what a lot of you are probably thinking: isn't he banned from baseball for life? No. He WAS banned from baseball for life. He failed three PED tests and was supposed to get the lifetime boot but you know what, Rob Manfred is a cool guy and he lifted the ban. Now, the 29-year-old who has not pitched in the big leagues since 2015 has the perfect opportunity to make an MLB comeback.
What's in the past is in the past. We all liked Manny Ramirez and he got caught with PEDs twice, so why can't Mejia be a Red Sox fan favorite too? Obviously, everyone has their own opinion on the steroid thing--and that's totally cool. Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs, but he has an MiLB deal and spring training invite with the Red Sox. That means he could end up pitching for the Red Sox at some point this season and if he does, we should probably want him to do well.
In 95 career big league appearances, he is 4-8 with a 2.67 ERA and 28 saves, so there could still be something here. It's a low risk signing and since the Red Sox don't have a closer and needed bullpen depth, this is a solid move.
Now if only the Red Sox could get Craig Kimbrel back, then they'd be in really good shape for the ninth inning.