Red Sox Playoff Hopes Dim as Offensive Struggles Define Late-Season Collapse
The Boston Red Sox are still technically in the race, but their chances of making a late-season turnaround seem increasingly slim. Following a 7-2 loss to the New York Mets on Tuesday night—their fourth consecutive defeat—the team’s outlook appears bleak. While the playoffs remain mathematically possible, the momentum has shifted decidedly against Boston, leaving fans and analysts doubtful about their ability to bounce back.
The loss brought the Red Sox’s record to 70-69, barely over .500, a mark they hadn’t dipped near since mid-June. Back then, the team was riding high on a summer hot streak, but now they’re in free fall, struggling to avoid another last-place finish in their division. This slide underscores a broader inability to sustain consistency throughout the season, with their current form reflecting a sharp decline.
Red Sox Playoff Hopes Dim as Offensive Struggles Define Late-Season Collapse
Tuesday’s game added an embarrassing milestone to the team’s woes. The Red Sox set a new franchise record for games with at least 12 strikeouts in a single season, reaching the ignominious total of 38. Their performance against the Mets featured 15 strikeouts and no extra-base hits, encapsulating their offensive struggles. Even when given opportunities, like a bases-loaded chance in the eighth inning, Boston squandered them, grounding into a double play.
Offensive production during the recent four-game skid has been abysmal, with the team scoring just five total runs across the stretch. Their inability to capitalize with runners in scoring position and a lack of power hitting—highlighted by a nearly week-long home run drought—has rendered them ineffective. Despite poor performances by other wild-card contenders like the Kansas City Royals and Minnesota Twins, Boston has failed to take advantage, further compounding their struggles.
At this stage, the Red Sox seem to be clinging to the hope of finishing above .500, though even that feels like a small consolation. This sentiment echoes the disappointments of last year when a similarly underwhelming season came to a close. With little to show for their efforts, the team and its fans are left looking ahead, once again, to the promise of next year.
Red Sox Sign Veteran Reliever Justin Wilson to Address Bullpen Struggles Ahead of 2025
The Boston Red Sox have made their first move for the 2025 season by signing veteran left-handed reliever Justin Wilson. While the team hasn’t made any major acquisitions yet, this signing is a step towards addressing their bullpen, which struggled significantly in the second half of the 2024 season. After the All-Star break, the Red Sox bullpen ranked last in every major pitching category, and they were especially lacking in left-handed options. Several pitchers were shuffled between the majors and Triple-A to fill the lefty roles, highlighting the team’s need for improvement.
Wilson, a 12-year veteran, most recently played for the Cincinnati Reds, where he had a 5.59 ERA over 60 appearances. Despite the high ERA, he struck out 51 batters in 46 2/3 innings, showcasing his potential to be more effective if he can minimize hard contact. His primary pitches are a four-seam fastball, slider, and cutter, and his 95th percentile chase rate in 2024 suggests he has the ability to get hitters to chase pitches outside the strike zone. However, his advanced metrics show that he may have been unlucky last season, with his expected wOBA being lower than his actual wOBA.
Red Sox Sign Veteran Reliever Justin Wilson to Address Bullpen Struggles Ahead of 2025
The Red Sox’s deal with Wilson is a one-year contract worth $2.25 million in base salary, with the potential for an additional $750,000 in bonuses. While Wilson is not a long-term solution for the bullpen, at 37 years old, he provides some much-needed experience and depth for 2025. The team is still looking to add more to its bullpen, including potentially pursuing Tanner Scott, one of the top left-handed free-agent relievers, which suggests that this is just the beginning of their off-season moves.
This signing is seen as a low-risk move for the Red Sox, providing some veteran presence and depth to a bullpen that was one of the worst in baseball. Wilson’s strikeout ability gives the team hope that, with the right coaching and adjustments, he could be more effective in 2025. Though he is not expected to be a cornerstone of the bullpen, if his strikeout stuff can be utilized more efficiently, he could prove to be a valuable asset for the Red Sox during the season.
While such moves may not generate much excitement in the off-season, they can have significant impacts as the season progresses. Red Sox fans may not be very familiar with Wilson yet, but if his performance improves, he could become a key contributor, especially in the late summer and fall when bullpen depth becomes crucial. If the Red Sox can find a way to maximize his potential, Wilson could play an important role in strengthening their pitching staff for 2025.
The Boston Red Sox continued their pitching staff rebuild by acquiring left-handed reliever Jovani Morán from the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday in exchange for catcher and infielder Mickey Gasper.
Morán, 27, pitched in 79 games as a reliever for the Twins from 2021 to 2023, recording a 4.15 ERA. During that span, he struck out 112 batters, walked 52, and held opponents to a .208 batting average.
He missed the entirety of last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Morán was originally drafted in the seventh round of the 2015 MLB Draft.
Jovani Moran (Photo: Getty Images)
In return, the Twins receive Gasper, 29, who made his MLB debut last season, appearing in 13 games for the Red Sox.
A switch-hitter, Gasper was selected by the New York Yankees in the 27th round of the 2018 draft before being picked up by Boston in the minor league portion of the 2023 Rule 5 draft.
Both the Red Sox and the Twins currently have 39 players on their 40-man rosters.
Right-hander Walker Buehler has agreed to a one-year, $21.05 million contract with the Boston Red Sox.
The deal brings the pitcher, who secured the final out of this year’s World Series, to a team strategically bolstering its starting rotation as it shifts focus toward contention.
The agreement also includes an additional $2.5 million in performance bonuses, sources said.
Buehler, a 30-year-old two-time All-Star and one of the most intriguing free agents this offseason, was among the league’s premier starters from 2018 to 2021.
After undergoing a second Tommy John surgery in 2022, he returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers this year, posting a 5.38 ERA over 16 starts.
Despite his regular-season struggles, Buehler reaffirmed his reputation as a postseason ace, throwing four shutout innings in a National League Championship Series win and five more in a World Series victory.
He capped off his performance by securing Los Angeles’ championship with a gritty ninth inning on one day’s rest during Game 5 against the New York Yankees.
The Red Sox hope Buehler can replicate that October dominance. After finishing last season with the ninth-most runs scored in baseball and boasting the league’s top three hitting prospects—outfielder Roman Anthony, infielder/outfielder Kristian Campbell, and shortstop Marcelo Mayer—Boston entered the offseason with a clear mission to strengthen its pitching.
Though their plans took time to come together, the Red Sox have assembled a promising group of high-upside pitchers without overextending financially.
Walker Buehler (Photo: NFL)
Key additions include left-hander Garrett Crochet, acquired in a blockbuster trade, who is projected to anchor the rotation as the Opening Day starter for the next two years under affordable arbitration salaries.
The team also secured left-hander Patrick Sandoval on a two-year, $18.25 million deal. Sandoval, recovering from Tommy John surgery, is expected to return by August.
Buehler has built a reputation as an intimidating presence on the mound, combining elite skill with a fiery attitude. His signature pitch, a four-seam fastball clocking in at 96-97 mph and pinpointed with precision, is complemented by a cutter, curveball, slider, changeup, and sinker, leaving hitters routinely baffled.
His peak came in 2021, following his instrumental role in the Dodgers’ 2020 World Series championship. That year, Buehler posted a 16-4 record with a 2.47 ERA over 207⅔ innings, striking out 212 and walking 52. He finished fourth in a closely contested National League Cy Young race.
Recurring elbow injuries sidelined Buehler for much of 2022, culminating in a Tommy John revision surgery with a flexor repair. Players returning from a second Tommy John surgery face extended recovery timelines; Buehler, who had his first procedure in 2015 shortly after being drafted 24th overall by the Dodgers, missed the entire 2023 season.
When he returned in May of this year, his velocity and sharpness were noticeably diminished, and hip inflammation sent him back to the injured list in June. By the time he returned in August, Buehler’s struggles continued, but injuries in the Dodgers’ rotation solidified his importance for the postseason.
In October, Buehler showed flashes of his former self, delivering vintage performances reminiscent of his pre-surgery dominance. His decision to sign a one-year deal rather than pursue a multiyear contract suggests he sees this as a stepping stone to proving his value at full strength.
For the Red Sox, a healthy Buehler, coupled with high-performance seasons from Crochet and a recovered Sandoval, could transform their pitching depth into a formidable asset.
The team also retains right-handers Tanner Houck, Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, and Lucas Giolito—the latter also on the mend from Tommy John surgery—making their rotation a potential strength in 2025.
The Boston Red Sox recently announced several coaching staff changes for the 2024 Major League Baseball season. While the team made one new addition to its staff, it also shifted the roles of two existing members. The coaching staff is expected to return for Spring Training next month, with the Red Sox beginning their game action on February 23 against the Northeastern Huskies at JetBlue Park.
Andrew Bailey is the lone new addition to the Red Sox coaching staff. Bailey, who was hired in November, will take on the role of pitching coach. Prior to joining Boston, Bailey spent four years with the San Francisco Giants, bringing valuable experience to his new position with the Red Sox.
Andrew Bailey (MLB)
As for the changes in roles among current staff members, Andy Fox and Kyle Hudson are moving to new positions. Fox, who previously served as the team’s field coordinator, will now be the first-base coach. This change follows Boston’s decision not to fill the field coordinator role after shifting Fox’s responsibilities. Hudson, on the other hand, will switch from first-base coach to third-base coach and will also take on additional duties, such as coordinating baserunning and outfield instruction.
The rest of the Red Sox’s coaching staff remains unchanged from last season. Alex Cora will continue as the team’s manager, with Ramón Vázquez returning as bench coach. Pete Fatse, Luis Ortiz, and Ben Rosenthal will remain in their respective roles as hitting coach, and assistant hitting coaches, and the bullpen coach will stay the same with Kevin Walker. Jason Varitek, who has been instrumental in game planning, will also maintain his position as game planning coordinator.
These coaching staff members will return for Spring Training in February, where they will begin preparations for the 2024 season. The Red Sox will kick off their spring games with a match against the Northeastern Huskies on February 23 at JetBlue Park, marking the beginning of their preparations for the new season.
Yankees Target Top Pitchers as Snell Predicted to Sign with Rival Red Sox
On November 6, it was reported that the New York Yankees are actively pursuing top free-agent pitchers this offseason, including Max Fried, Corbin Burnes, and Blake Snell. The team’s interest in these elite pitchers is likely tied to their ability to re-sign star outfielder Juan Soto. Pursuing both Soto and an ace pitcher would require a significant financial commitment, so the Yankees’ strategy will depend on whether they can retain Soto.
If the Yankees are unable to secure one of these top-tier pitchers, fans would likely prefer that these players sign with teams outside the AL East, particularly avoiding any situation where they join the Red Sox, a major rival. The Yankees’ pursuit of a starting pitcher is clearly influenced by the competitive nature of their division, where the performance of rivals like Boston plays a significant role.
Yankees Target Top Pitchers as Snell Predicted to Sign with Rival Red Sox
In fact, Bleacher Report’s Erik Beaston predicted that Blake Snell could end up with the Red Sox. Despite the Red Sox having the seventh-best ERA among starting pitchers in 2024, Beaston argued that the team needs to improve its rotation to compete with the potent offenses in the AL East. With teams like New York, Baltimore, Toronto, and Tampa Bay expected to improve, adding a strong arm like Snell would help Boston stay competitive.
Snell, a two-time Cy Young winner, would be a strong addition to the Red Sox’s pitching staff. In 2024, he posted a 3.12 ERA, 145 strikeouts, and a 1.05 WHIP, showcasing his ability to perform at a high level. His experience facing some of the toughest lineups in the American League would make him a valuable asset to Boston as they look to strengthen their rotation.
Throughout his career, Snell has faced the Yankees 10 times, recording a 4-6 record with a 4.39 ERA and 99 strikeouts. While his history against New York has been mixed, his overall performance and experience make him an appealing option for any team looking to bolster their pitching staff. As the offseason progresses, it remains uncertain where Snell will sign, but his decision could have a significant impact on the AL East’s competitive balance.
Garrett Crochet quickly realized he had a number problem after being traded to the Boston Red Sox.
He had worn No. 45 with the Chicago White Sox since his MLB debut in 2020, but after being traded on Wednesday, he joined a team that retired that number in honor of Pedro Martínez in 2015.
“Yeah, that’s one of the first things that I realized after the trade went through,” Crochet said on Friday.
His next options were also taken.
“I wore 34 in college, so that one was retired,” he recalled from his time at Tennessee. “Other than that, I never really picked a number since high school, and in high school I wore number 14, which I also believe was retired.”
Boston retired No. 34 for David Ortiz in 2016 and No. 14 for Jim Rice in 2009.
Crochet decided to go with No. 35, which had not been used in 2023. This number had been worn in the past by Richard Bleier (2023), Eric Hosmer (2022), Matt Andriese (2021), and Josh Osich (2020). The last player to wear it for multiple seasons was Steven Wright from 2013 to 2019.
Martínez, now a special assistant for the Red Sox and a spring training instructor, is someone Crochet hopes to meet.
“Having any sort of conversation with Pedro would be my ideal world,” Crochet said. “But I’m kind of going in with low expectations, hoping to bump into guys when I can.”
Crochet was traded during the winter meetings for catcher Kyle Teel, infielder Chase Meidroth, right-hander Wikelman Gonzalez, and outfielder Braden Montgomery.
Boston Red Sox players in the 1st inning
“It’s a big relief,” Crochet said. “It takes a lot of stress out of the way of, I suppose, in spring training being curious where we’re going to be living, the housing situation is tough to figure out, so it’s nice to kind of be ahead of the game in that regard.”
Crochet had a record of 6-12 with a 3.58 ERA in 32 starts for a White Sox team that finished with a 41-121 record, the worst in baseball since 1900. The 25-year-old was named to the AL All-Star team in his first season as a starter.
“The opportunity to play for the market of Boston, the fan base that’s representing the Red Sox is about as great of an opportunity as you can come by in this game,” he said.
“Especially growing up that’s what you imagine it to be, is Major League Baseball, playing in the AL East, Boston, New York, the whole thing like that. And I grew up watching Big Papi, so it’s going to be a very surreal moment to play where he played.”
Crochet is eligible for arbitration this offseason and next, and unless he signs a long-term deal, he can become a free agent after the 2026 World Series.
“I really haven’t had much time to give it a lot of thought,” he said. “For me this time of year the main thing that I’m focused on is my training and getting ready for spring training.”
The Boston Red Sox made a bold move at the 2024 Winter Meetings, acquiring left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox. This trade brings to mind their pivotal 2016 deal for Chris Sale, which helped them win a World Series championship. With hopes of replicating that success, the Red Sox are banking on Crochet’s potential to become a cornerstone of their pitching staff as they aim to return to playoff contention in 2025.
The White Sox, currently in a rebuilding phase after a record-setting 121-loss season, were looking to add prospects to their system. In exchange for Crochet, the Red Sox sent a highly regarded package, including catcher Kyle Teel, who was ranked as the No. 25 overall prospect by MLB Pipeline and No. 4 in Boston’s system. The trade also included outfielder Braden Montgomery, infielder Chase Meidroth, and right-hander Wikelman Gonzalez, all of whom were among the Red Sox’s top 14 prospects.
Garrett Crochet (MLB)
Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow expressed his excitement about adding Crochet, who he described as a “legitimate number one starter” with considerable strikeout potential. Breslow acknowledged that acquiring a player of Crochet’s caliber required parting with valuable prospects, but emphasized that the trade would significantly improve the Red Sox’s rotation. The team is confident that Crochet, along with the resources available in Boston’s pitching infrastructure, will continue to develop into a top-tier starter for the club.
This trade marks a shift in the Red Sox’s strategy after several years of holding onto their top prospects. In recent seasons, the team had been hesitant to trade away high-value players from their farm system, but the 2024 offseason has seen a more aggressive approach. Breslow made it clear that the Red Sox are focused on competing for a title in 2025, and this trade, while costly, was necessary to improve the team’s chances in the short term.
Importantly, the Red Sox were able to make this trade without weakening their major league roster. No current players were involved in the deal, leaving the team’s young core intact. With Crochet joining a rotation that already includes 2024 All-Star Tanner Houck, veteran righty Lucas Giolito, and emerging star Brayan Bello, the Red Sox now have a well-rounded and deep starting staff heading into 2025.
Garrett Crochet, though still relatively young and with less of a proven track record than Chris Sale, comes with a significant upside. The 25-year-old had an impressive 2024 season, making his first All-Star appearance and posting a 1.07 WHIP along with 209 strikeouts in 146 innings. His fastball velocity and advanced metrics place him among the top pitchers in the league, and the Red Sox are hopeful that Crochet can develop into one of the game’s breakout stars in the coming season.
The trade for Crochet strengthens the Red Sox’s pitching staff as they look to build a more competitive team after finishing the 2024 season with an 81-81 record. While the team’s rotation is significantly improved, the Red Sox are not done yet. They continue to explore options for additional pitching depth and are looking to add more pieces to their roster, including a right-handed bat and additional bullpen help. With this trade, the Red Sox have taken a major step toward making a serious run at the American League East title in 2025.
On Wednesday, the Boston Red Sox traded for All-Star left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet from the White Sox in exchange for four prospects. This trade gave the White Sox a better deal than what was available at the trade deadline in July.
For the Red Sox, who were still in need of more pitching, the move came quickly after they lost out on free agent lefty Max Fried, who signed with the New York Yankees.
“We feel like we got a legitimate No. 1 starter in Garrett, left-handed, with a lot of swing-and-miss stuff, and tons of strikeouts. We believe his best years are still ahead of him,” said Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow. “Adding him to our rotation will bring more depth and quality.”
In return, the White Sox received catcher Kyle Teel, infielder Chase Meidroth, right-handed pitcher Wikelman Gonzalez, and outfielder Braden Montgomery, as part of the trade announced during the winter meetings.
Last season, Crochet was 6-12 with a 3.58 ERA in 32 starts for the White Sox, a team that finished with a 41-121 record, the most losses by any team since 1900. The 25-year-old was selected for the AL All-Star team in his first season as a starter.
Garrett Crochet pitches in the 1st inning
“What he did last season was excellent,” said White Sox general manager Chris Getz. “But when you look at the long-term health of the organization, this trade helps us add talent that we’re really excited about.”
Getz noted that many teams were interested in Crochet, and about five teams seemed like they could complete a deal. The Red Sox had shown interest in the hard-throwing lefty over the summer as well.
“Discussions really heated up last night with the Red Sox, and we continued them through the morning,” Getz said. “It was clear they were motivated, and we made a match. Both clubs should feel good about the return.”
The trade occurred just a day after Max Fried signed with the Yankees for an eight-year, $218 million contract, the largest ever given to a left-handed pitcher.
“We came here a few days ago thinking we needed to improve our rotation,” Breslow said. “If we had only looked at one option, we would have closed ourselves off from other opportunities. There are still great players and starting pitchers available on the free agent market, and we’re having talks with teams about trade targets.”
Before the trade, Boston’s starting rotation was expected to have five pitchers: Tanner Houck, Kutter Crawford, Brayan Bello, Garrett Whitlock, and Lucas Giolito.
Four-time All-Star Corbin Burnes, a right-hander who went 15-9 with a 2.92 ERA in 32 starts for the Orioles this year, remains a free agent.
Crochet had an $800,000 salary this year and is eligible for arbitration this offseason and next. He can become a free agent after the 2027 World Series.
Selected 11th overall by the White Sox in the 2020 draft, Crochet made his major league debut that September. He had a 2.82 ERA in 2021 while striking out 65 batters in 54 1/3 innings. However, he underwent Tommy John surgery on April 5, 2022, and didn’t return to the majors until May 18, 2023.
This past season, Crochet’s sinker averaged 97.9 mph, and his four-seam fastball was clocked at 97.2 mph. He also throws a cutter, sweeper, and changeup.
Garrett Crochet reacts after giving 2 home runs
Teel is ranked as Boston’s No. 4 prospect by MLB.com, Meidroth is No. 11, Gonzalez is No. 14, and Montgomery is No. 54.
“This trade is about speeding up the rebuild,” Getz said. “We think this can help us do that.” This deal is similar to one made in the 2016 winter meetings when the White Sox traded Chris Sale to the Red Sox for four prospects.
Sale was traded to Atlanta last December after making only 31 starts for the Red Sox from 2021-23. He missed the 2020 season and most of 2021 due to Tommy John surgery. He made just two starts in 2022 after fracturing a rib and breaking his left pinkie. He then broke his right wrist in August 2023, ending his final season with Boston.
Sale went on to win the National League Cy Young Award this season with an 18-3 record, 225 strikeouts, and a 2.38 ERA in 29 starts, which was the best in the majors. He was also named the NL Comeback Player of the Year.
The prospects sent to Chicago in the 2016 deal included current Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Michael Kopech and infielder Yoán Moncada, who is now a free agent after eight seasons with the White Sox.
Aroldis Chapman pitches during the ninth inning of a baseball game
The Boston Red Sox have signed Aroldis Chapman, a hard-throwing reliever, to a one-year contract worth $10.75 million.
The team made the announcement on Tuesday.
Chapman could become the Red Sox’s new closer, as Kenley Jansen, the current closer, is available in free agency.
The 36-year-old Chapman has a 2.63 ERA and 1,246 strikeouts over his 15-year career with seven teams. His 335 saves are 16th in MLB history. This season, he went 5-5 with 14 saves and a 3.79 ERA in 68 appearances for Pittsburgh, striking out 98 batters in 61 2/3 innings.
Boston Red Sox players in the 1st inning
Chapman is a seven-time All-Star and a two-time World Series champion, winning with the Chicago Cubs in 2016 and the Texas Rangers in 2023.
The Red Sox bullpen struggled this year, blowing 31 of 71 save opportunities and posting a 4.39 ERA. The team finished third in the AL East and missed the playoffs for the third year in a row.
Cam Booser throws to a Kansas City Royals batter during the ninth inning of a baseball game
Red Sox left-handed pitcher Cam Booser, who overcame alcohol abuse, injuries, and a bicycling accident, is set to receive the Tony Conigliaro Award for overcoming adversity. Booser, who made his major-league debut this season at nearly 32 years old after leaving a career in construction, said, “To have my name in the same conversation as Tony Conigliaro is something that I will always hold close. This is truly humbling.”
The Tony Conigliaro Award, named after the former Boston outfielder, recognizes a player who has faced adversity and showed “spirit, determination, and courage,” qualities that were known to define Tony C. Other players who received votes for the award include Kansas City right-hander Lucas Erceg, Atlanta lefty Chris Sale, Oakland righty Mason Miller, Baltimore righty Albert Suárez, and Cleveland lefty Matthew Boyd.
Past winners of the award include Jim Eisenreich, Bo Jackson, and Curtis Pride. Red Sox players who have previously won the award include Bret Saberhagen, Jon Lester, and John Lackey.
The award is decided by a committee made up of Red Sox and Major League Baseball officials, media members, and a representative from the Conigliaro family.
Booser had retired from baseball in 2017 at the age of 25 after struggling with alcohol abuse and injuries. These included a broken leg, broken vertebrae, Tommy John surgery, a torn labrum, and a broken back from being hit by a car while riding his bicycle. He joined a carpenters union and worked in construction, but he began throwing off a mound again in late 2020.
Boston Red Sox players in the 6th inning
Booser played in independent leagues in 2021, spent time with the Diamondbacks in 2022, and signed a minor-league contract with the Red Sox last year. He made 48 relief appearances for Triple-A Worcester in 2023. The Red Sox called him up to the major leagues on April 19, and he closed out a victory in his debut against Pittsburgh that night.
For the 2023 season, Booser had a 3.38 ERA with 43 strikeouts in 42 2/3 innings over 43 games, including a 15-game streak without allowing a run.
Tony Conigliaro, a native of the Boston area, made his major-league debut in 1964 at the age of 19 and homered in his first at-bat at Fenway Park. In his second season, he became the youngest player to lead the league in home runs with 32. By the age of 22, he had hit 100 home runs, making him the youngest in American League history.
In 1967, Conigliaro was hit in the face by a pitch, which fractured his cheekbone, dislocated his jaw, and damaged his retina. After missing all of 1968, he returned to play for two more seasons with the Red Sox, but vision problems forced him to retire. He suffered a heart attack in 1982 and passed away eight years later at the age of 45. The Tony Conigliaro Award has been presented annually since his death.
