The Boston Red Sox are aware that their bullpen needs to be fixed and that their current offseason efforts will not suffice.

Thus far, the Red Sox have acquired lefties Justin Wilson, a fringy journeyman, and Aroldis Chapman, an ageing seven-time All-Star. Closer Kenley Jansen has been assumed to be gone in free agency since mid-September, and they recently lost Chris Martin to the Texas Rangers.

There is still uncertainty around the relief pitcher market, which is led by All-Star Tanner Scott, who is requesting $20 million annually. But it will happen soon, and one insider says the Red Sox will probably play a big role.

He “expects” the Red Sox to sign at least one elite reliever from the free-agent market, according to a story published on Tuesday by Chris Cotillo of MassLive. Additionally, Cotillo mentioned that the Red Sox had been in regular communication with former Philadelphia Phillies All-Star Jeff Hoffman throughout the offseason.

“Hoffman is perhaps the best righty in the league and had an incredible two seasons with Philadelphia. Cotillo wrote, “The Red Sox have maintained communication with his camp.”

“Some teams have plans for Clay Holmes of the New York Mets to start. The Red Sox are probably not the ideal fit if that’s what he’s interested in. He would fit right in with Hendriks, Slaten, Whitlock, and Chapman in a late-innings position.

If Hoffman continues to perform at his best, he would