Red Sox’s worst stretch in decades forces franchise-altering deadline decisions

Red Sox’s worst stretch in decades forces franchise-altering deadline decisions originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Boston Red Sox just finished a brutal home series, where they got swept by a division rival in the Toronto Blue Jays. This makes them 29-43, and 6.5 games behind the final spot in the AL Wild Card. 

Now, they start a ten game campaign on the road to try to salvage their season. If they don’t, there will be consequences. 

2026 has been terrible for Boston 

© Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Overall, this season has been horrible for Boston. Aside from their starting pitching, Aroldis Chapman, and a few hitters, the whole team has been horrible. 

The Red Sox are 12-25 at home, which is their worst start since 1932. Their record of 29-43 is their worst record since 1965. The Red Sox just cannot string wins together, unless they are on the road. 

Even the players are distraught

© Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Boston’s players even can tell that this is the breaking point. 

Starting pitcher Sonny Gray told the media he was frustrated, and that the Sox were a bad team this year. “I can’t speak on behalf of the group, but I can speak on behalf of myself. It’s very frustrating. We’re not good, we’re just not a good team right now, and that’s just a fact,” Gray stated (via Gabrielle Starr).

Another player was utility man Isaiah Kiner-Falefa, who has been using his limited time on the field to help Boston as much as he can. “We got swept at home. Swept at home in division. It doesn’t get worse than that … It’s time to go on a streak or we’re going to be having new players in this locker room,” Kiner-Falefa said (via Chris Cotillo).

It’s now make-or-break

© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

In the Sox’s upcoming away trip, they face the Seattle Mariners, who are leading the AL West, the Colorado Rockies, and a four-game series in the Bronx against the New York Yankees.

If they cannot string some series wins together, and maybe even a sweep of the Rockies, then it’s probably time to call it quits on this season. They should sell at the deadline, and look to reload for next season.

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