The Red Sox didn’t make it back to the World Series, but fans should pay attention to some players on the Nationals and Astros who Boston might pursue in the offseason via free agency. The Red Sox plan to add at least one reliever this winter.

“We’re going to hopefully supplement our relief pitching,” Red Sox chairman Tom Werner said at Fenway Park on Sept. 27.

Four Astros relievers are eligible for free agency after the World Series. The Nationals have a pair of relievers who might be on Boston’s radar.

Boston also will be in the market for a fifth starter and backup catcher if it non-tenders Sandy Leon. First base and second base also are question marks.

1. Daniel Hudson, Nationals reliever: The righty posted a 2.47 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and eight saves in 73 innings for Blue Jays and Nationals in 2019. He has closer experience. That would help if Boston decided to stick with Brandon Workman as closer. Hudson would provide a backup if Workman falters. He’ll turn 33 in March.

2. Will Harris, Astros reliever: The 35-year-old righty recorded a 1.50 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and four saves in 60 innings.

3. Sean Doolittle, Nationals reliever: The 33-year-old lefty has a $6.5 million team option and $500,000 buyout. So he may or may not be a free agent. He experienced a down season with a 4.05 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 29 saves – along with six blown saves in 63 appearances (60 innings). But he has had a strong postseason. He dominated in 2018, recording a 1.60 ERA and converting 25 of 26 save opportunities. Like Hudson, he has closer experience if Workman were to falter.

4. Wade Miley: The Red Sox need a fifth starter who can eat innings. Miley, who pitched for the Red Sox in 2015 (4.46 ERA, 32 starts), is an affordable option for Boston. The durable lefty, who will turn 33 in November, posted a 3.98 ERA in 33 starts for the Astros during 2019 on a one-year, $4.5 million contract. He was on the ALDS roster but not on the ALCS roster.

5. Hector Rondon, Astros reliever: The righty had a 3.71 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP in 60 2/3 innings. He turns 32 in February.

6. Joe Smith, Astros reliever: The righty had a 1.80 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP in 25 innings. He turns 36 in March.

7. Collin McHugh, Astros reliever (injured): McHugh’s 4.70 ERA for 2019 wasn’t close to his dominant 2018 (1.99 ERA, 72 1/3 innings). But the 32-year-old McHugh posted a 2.67 ERA in 27 relief outings this year compared to a 6.37 ERA in eight starts. He’s a multi-inning reliever, something the Red Sox could use with uncertainty surrounding the health of their top three starters. But he has his own health issues right now. McHugh was shut down for the season in September because of some pain when throwing, per The Houston Chronicle.

8. Howie Kendrick, Nationals: The Red Sox are unlikely to sign the 36-year-old who has put together a strong postseason after a terrific regular season. He hit.344 with 17 homers, 23 doubles and 62 RBI in 121 games (370 plate appearances). But you never know if the Red Sox want to add a veteran presence if J.D. Martinez leaves via free agency. The Red Sox can’t rely on Dustin Pedroia to return healthy. First base and second base are areas of need. Kendrick played first, second and third during 2019.

9. Martin Maldonado, Astros: The 33-year-old, who played on a one-year, $2.5 million contract in 2019, has backed up Robinson Chirinos since his trade to Houston. He’s served as Gerrit Cole’s personal catcher. He hit .220 with 12 homers, 19 doubles and 27 RBI in 105 games.

10. Yan Gomes, Nationals: The 32-year-old catcher has a $9 million team option and $1 million buyout. So he may or may not be a free agent. He hit .223 with 12 homers, 16 doubles and 43 RBIs in 97 games.

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