Since making the American League Championship Series in 2021, the Boston Red Sox have had playoff aspirations each year going into the all-star break. But, as soon as the calendar has flipped to August it’s been déjà vu for the club. Promising offense is disappearing, starters are not producing quality outings, relief pitching is not able to get through innings, and the already shaky defense somehow would find a way to get worse. All that fans have wanted from the Red Sox has been a team that is still relevant to watch in September, and for the past two seasons, the club has failed to get there at least.
Red Sox Won’t Go Down Without a Fight
The Red Sox opened the second half of the season on July 19th, 10 games above .500, with a 53-43 record, and only five games out from being atop the AL East division. But, in just 48 days, the Red Sox found themselves in familiar territory after returning to .500 (with a record of 70-70) for the first time since June 14th (35-35) getting swept by the New York Mets. Despite dropping back to a .500 record, the Red Sox were still only three games back of a wild card spot on September 9th. After taking a series versus the Chicago White Sox and winning the first of a three-game series against Baltimore, Red Sox manager Alex Cora said, “We’re right there, still. I don’t know how.”
Key Players Making a Difference
The series with Baltimore would end in dramatic fashion, as Tyler O’Neill hit a walk-off three-run home run to decide the series. In an interview with NESN’s Jahmai Webster, O’Neill said, “Playing in Boston, September, meaningful baseball, you know it’s a dream come true… and just wanna ride that energy throughout October.” O’Neill has made it clear that the Red Sox will continue to fight until there are no games remaining on the schedule.
“It’s a dream come true, and just wanna ride that energy throughout October”
Tyler O’Neill on the Red Sox playing meaningful baseball games in September pic.twitter.com/dWDYthMcr7
— NESN (@NESN) September 12, 2024
Is the Late Push Worth It?
While the chances of making the playoffs are slim (Fangraphs gives a 5.9% chance), the Red Sox refuse to throw in the white towel and continue to fight every night. Alex Cora commented on this after blowing a 4-0 lead to the Yankees (ultimately losing 5-4), saying; “The season has been over like fifteen times… we still believe we can pull this off.” After two straight seasons of 78-84 finishes, it’s refreshing for Red Sox fans to see energy and passion out of their players and coaches in mid-September.
“The season has been over like 15 times… we still believe that we can pull this off.”
Alex Cora on the team’s chase for a wildcard spot pic.twitter.com/wfE4MhRrKZ
— NESN (@NESN) September 14, 2024
Main Photo: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
