Predicting the Unpredictable: Boston Red Sox in 2025
The beauty of baseball lies in its unpredictability, and the Boston Red Sox are no strangers to this enigma. As we head into the 2025 season, the Red Sox are among the most unpredictable teams in Major League Baseball (MLB). After a half-decade of mediocrity, the team is poised for a potential turnaround, thanks to some significant offseason moves. In the latest installment of NBC Sports Boston’s "Spring Storylines" series, our panel shares their boldest predictions for the Red Sox’s upcoming season. Here’s what they came up with:
Bold Prediction: Red Sox Win the AL East
Justin Leger: Red Sox win the American League East
You read that right. Boston is predicted to take home the AL East crown for the first time since 2018. This prediction is especially bold given the Red Sox’s five-year stretch of underwhelming performance. However, the addition of Alex Bregman, alongside other key acquisitions like Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler, has significantly bolstered the team’s roster. Bregman, in particular, brings a blend of power and versatility that could tip the scales in Boston’s favor. While the competition from the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles remains fierce, the Red Sox have the potential to emerge as the division’s frontrunner. FanGraphs’ projections, which place the Red Sox in second, suggest that this prediction might not be as outrageous as it seems.
A Step Forward: Red Sox Make the Playoffs
Nick Goss: Red Sox make the playoffs
This prediction might not seem super bold, but given the Red Sox’s recent struggles, making the playoffs would be a significant achievement. The last time the Sox missed the playoffs for three consecutive years, they went on to win the World Series in 2013. While the same outcome is unlikely in 2025, substantial improvement is expected. The team’s offseason acquisitions, particularly the additions of Bregman, Crochet, and Buehler, provide a solid foundation for a strong season. If the Red Sox can capitalize on their new talent and maintain consistency, they stand a good chance of securing a playoff spot.
All-Star Representation: Multiple Red Sox Make the Cut
Darren Hartwell: Red Sox have three-plus All-Stars, but Bregman isn’t one of them
It’s been four years since the Red Sox sent more than two players to the All-Star Game, but that drought is expected to end in 2025. However, the prediction takes a surprising turn with Alex Bregman, the team’s marquee offseason signing, missing the All-Star cut. According to Hartwell, it might take Bregman some time to find his footing with his new team. His career stats show a .260 batting average with an .805 OPS in games before the All-Star break, compared to .291 and .906 in games after the break. Instead, newly acquired ace Garrett Crochet, along with stalwarts Rafael Devers and Triston Casas, are the likely candidates to represent the Red Sox in Atlanta. Casas, in particular, is expected to lead the team in home runs entering All-Star Weekend, showcasing his potential as one of the league’s top young sluggers.
The Offseason Groundwork
The Red Sox’s bold predictions for 2025 are largely built on the foundation laid during the offseason. The signings of Alex Bregman, Garrett Crochet, and Walker Buehler have been strategic moves aimed at addressing the team’s weaknesses and bolstering their strengths. Bregman, known for his offensive prowess and defensive versatility, is expected to be a catalyst in the Red Sox’s lineup. Crochet, a hard-throwing left-hander, adds depth and reliability to the pitching staff, while Buehler, a seasoned right-hander, provides a reliable ace to anchor the rotation. These additions, combined with the team’s core talent, paint a picture of a Red Sox squad ready to contend.
Breaking the Slump
After years of mediocrity, the Red Sox are hungry for success. The franchise’s last World Series win in 2018 seems like a distant memory, and the pressure to return to glory is mounting. The 2025 season presents a golden opportunity for the Red Sox to break their slump and reestablish themselves as a dominant force in the AL East. The team’s improved roster, coupled with a renewed sense of optimism, sets the stage for a thrilling and potentially historic season. Whether the Red Sox can translate their bold predictions into reality remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the stage is set for an unforgettable campaign.
A Season of Hope and Promise
The 2025 season for the Boston Red Sox is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated in recent memory. The bold predictions from our panel reflect the team’s potential and the excitement surrounding their new talent. From winning the AL East to making the playoffs and securing multiple All-Star representatives, the Red Sox have set their sights on a season of hope and promise. As the team takes the field, fans and observers alike will be watching closely to see if the Red Sox can turn their bold predictions into reality and reclaim their place at the top of the baseball world.
