No one expected the Boston Red Sox to be a playoff team heading into the 2024 season, and those expectations were largely met. However, there were moments during the year when the team, which finished with a record of 81-81, looked like one of the better teams in baseball.
Boston even climbed to double digits above .500, but after the All-Star break, they experienced a familiar collapse. A mix of injuries and significant declines in performance from key players ultimately hurt their chances.
As the Red Sox turn their focus to the 2025 season, team president Sam Kennedy appeared on the “Fenway Rundown” podcast to discuss the areas they need to address to become contenders again.
“We have three emerging starters in our rotation—Kutter Crawford, Brayan Bello, and Tanner Houck. Each made 30 starts,” Kennedy said. “But we were thin. We need pitching, both in the rotation and the bullpen, and we need to improve our infield defense. There’s a lot of work to do, but we know (Craig Breslow) and Alex (Cora) are focused on those areas.”
Kennedy’s comments echo the concerns of many fans and analysts. The Red Sox have the financial flexibility and trade assets to pursue talent through free agency or trades this offseason.
Earlier in 2024, the Red Sox were in the playoff hunt and made moves before the MLB trade deadline to strengthen their bullpen. One of those moves included acquiring pitcher Luis García from the Los Angeles Angels, who had a 3.71 ERA over his first 45 appearances that season.
However, things took a turn after García joined the Red Sox. In 15 appearances with Boston, he posted a disappointing 8.22 ERA. García, who becomes a free agent this winter, is unlikely to return to the Red Sox in 2025, according to FanSided’s Ryan Bunton.
“The Luis García trade deadline deal was a disaster,” Bunton said. Although the Red Sox didn’t give up top prospects in the trade, García struggled, allowing 14 earned runs in 15.1 innings.
Though García’s stint in Boston didn’t go as planned, he will be looking to bounce back with a new team next season.
