Eduard Bazardo, one of 4 remaining ex-Sox players and the only pitcher on still contending teams, will have a chance to play in the 2025 World Series. He plays a vital role for the 2025 Seattle Mariners coming out of the bullpen to preserve leads [1]. 

Signed as an international free agent in 2014 at the age of 19, Bazardo steadily rose through the minor leagues peaking as the 19th best prospect on the Sox and appeared poised to join the Sox in the majors but a lat injury on May 19, 2021 landed him on the 60-day disabled list. Coming back in 2022, Bazardo pitched in 12 games, posting an ERA of 2.76 over 16 1/3 innings, but elected for free agency after the season.

After a brief stint in Baltimore, Bazardo was acquired by the Mariners in 2023 and split time in the minors and majors in 2024, before becoming a mainstay in the Mariners' bullpen. He led the Mariners relievers in innings pitched at 78 2/3 and recorded 12 holds.

The change of scenery gave Bazardo that chance to hone his craft and now has him poised on the cusp of a World Series.

[1] How the Mariners found Eduard Bazardo and turned him into a bullpen force | The Seattle Times