The Red Sox aren't in line to make the 2024 Major League Baseball playoffs, but it wasn't for a lack of fight in Boston.
Alex Cora's club was very competitive for most of the campaign, and it wasn't until a September slide that the Red Sox's postseason hopes really dwindled. But there are no moral victories on Jersey Street, and Boston is ticketed for its third straight season without a playoff berth.
Thus, the Red Sox received a mediocre "C" grade from ESPN for their 2024 run.
"Boston hung close most of the season and was at least the most interesting Red Sox team since the 2018 World Series champs," David Schoenfield wrote. "Jarren Duran had a monster breakout season with power (only Ohtani, Judge and Witt will end up with more extra-base hits), speed and defense. Rookies David Hamilton, Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu all had 2-WAR seasons. The Red Sox scored enough runs even with injuries to Triston Casas and Trevor Story. The rotation was on fire in April, but mediocre the rest of the way -- that and the bullpen will be addressed for next season.
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"Maybe the best news came from the farm system: Baseball America just named Roman Anthony its new No. 1 overall prospect; Kristian Campbell may have had the best statistical season of any minor leaguer, hitting .330/.439/.558 in jumping from High-A to Triple-A; and Marcelo Mayer and Kyle Teel both played well. All four could be ready to join the Red Sox in 2025."
Boston has five games left before it officially closes the book on its season. The Sox will try to push their win streak to four Tuesday night when they meet the Blue Jays in Toronto, where NESN will have full coverage beginning at 6 p.m. ET.
Featured image via John E. Sokolowski/Imagn Images
