What Happened to Boston Red Sox?
The Boston Red Sox have experienced a turbulent yet ultimately resurgent period from 2020 to 2026. After a dismal 2020 season and several years of underperformance, the team underwent significant front office and managerial changes, culminating in a dramatic turnaround in the 2026 season under interim manager Chad Tracy, positioning them as strong contenders in the American League.
Quick Answer
The Boston Red Sox have navigated a period of rebuilding and recent resurgence. Following a challenging stretch from 2020 to 2024, including the firing of Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom in 2023, the team saw a strong 2025 season with 89 wins. The 2026 season began with turmoil, leading to manager Alex Cora's firing in April, but under interim manager Chad Tracy, the Red Sox have achieved a remarkable turnaround, including a franchise-record-tying 15-game winning streak in July and a 64-54 record as of August 11, 2026, making them a competitive force in the AL East.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
Mookie Betts Traded to Los Angeles Dodgers
The Red Sox traded superstar outfielder Mookie Betts and pitcher David Price to the Los Angeles Dodgers, a move that signaled a rebuilding phase and was met with significant fan backlash.
End of Dismal 2020 Season
The Red Sox finished the COVID-shortened 2020 season with a 24-36 record, last in the AL East, marking their lowest winning percentage since 1965. Manager Ron Roenicke was not retained for 2021.
Surprise ALCS Appearance
Against expectations, the Red Sox made a deep playoff run, defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in the ALDS before losing to the Houston Astros in the ALCS, two games shy of the World Series.
Return to Last Place in AL East
The team finished the 2022 season with a disappointing 78-84 record, once again placing last in the highly competitive AL East division.
Chaim Bloom Fired as Chief Baseball Officer
Following another season of underperformance (78-84 record, last in AL East), Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom was fired, signaling a new direction for the front office.
Craig Breslow Hired as Chief Baseball Officer
Former Red Sox pitcher Craig Breslow was hired to replace Chaim Bloom as the new Chief Baseball Officer, tasked with rebuilding the team.
Improved Performance and Cy Young Runner-Up
The Red Sox won 89 games, and pitcher Garrett Crochet finished second in the American League Cy Young Award voting, raising expectations for the upcoming season.
Offseason Focus on Pitching and Run Prevention
Under Craig Breslow, the Red Sox offseason moves for 2026 emphasized strengthening the pitching staff and defense, acquiring players like Sonny Gray, Garrett Crochet, Ranger Suárez, and Aroldis Chapman.
Alex Cora Fired, Chad Tracy Named Interim Manager
After a disappointing 10-17 start to the 2026 season, manager Alex Cora and several coaches were fired. Triple-A manager Chad Tracy was named interim manager.
Ties Franchise Record with 15-Game Winning Streak
The Red Sox won their 15th consecutive game, tying the franchise record for consecutive wins, a streak established 80 years prior by the 1946 Red Sox.
Sets Franchise Record for Monthly Winning Percentage
The team concluded July with a 21-4 record (.840), setting a new franchise record for the highest monthly winning percentage in Red Sox history.
Acquires Adley Rutschman and Jake Rogers
On the trade deadline day, the Red Sox acquired star catcher Adley Rutschman and catcher Jake Rogers from the Baltimore Orioles in a significant move to bolster their roster for a playoff push.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Boston Red Sox entered the 2020s in a state of flux, marked by significant organizational shifts and on-field struggles. The 2020 season, shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, was particularly dismal, with the team finishing 24-36, last in the AL East, and posting their lowest winning percentage since 1965. This period was preceded by the controversial trade of superstar Mookie Betts in February 2020, signaling a shift towards rebuilding under new Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom. While the 2021 season offered a surprising and unexpected run to the American League Championship Series, falling just two games short of a World Series berth, it proved to be an anomaly rather than a sustained return to contention.
The subsequent years, 2022 and 2023, saw the Red Sox revert to disappointing form, finishing last in the AL East in both seasons with identical 78-84 records. This consistent underperformance, particularly concerning pitching depth and defensive inefficiencies, led to increased scrutiny of the front office's direction. A key turning point occurred in September 2023 when Chaim Bloom was relieved of his duties as Chief Baseball Officer. His replacement, former Red Sox pitcher Craig Breslow, was hired with the mandate to revitalize the franchise, focusing on player development and a more coherent long-term strategy. During this period, the team did secure a long-term contract with star third baseman Rafael Devers, a crucial move for the team's future.
The 2025 season showed signs of improvement, with the Red Sox winning 89 games and pitcher Garrett Crochet finishing second in the American League Cy Young Award race, raising expectations for 2026. Breslow's offseason strategy for 2026 focused heavily on run prevention, acquiring key pitchers like Sonny Gray, Garrett Crochet, and Ranger Suárez, and bolstering the bullpen with Aroldis Chapman. However, the beginning of the 2026 season was marked by significant turmoil. Manager Alex Cora, in his second stint with the team, was fired on April 25 after a disappointing 10-17 start, along with several coaching staff members. Triple-A manager Chad Tracy was appointed as the interim manager.
Under Chad Tracy's interim leadership, the Red Sox experienced a dramatic and unexpected turnaround. After dropping as low as 14 games below .500, the team embarked on a historic run in July, achieving a 21-4 record (.840 winning percentage), setting a new franchise record for highest monthly winning percentage. This surge included a 15-game winning streak on July 22, tying a franchise record established in 1946. As of August 11, 2026, the Red Sox hold a 64-54 record, placing them third in the AL East and firmly in playoff contention. Recent high-profile transactions, such as trading for catchers Adley Rutschman and Jake Rogers from the Baltimore Orioles on August 11, 2026, further underscore the team's commitment to competing for a championship in the current season. Chad Tracy has garnered significant praise and is now considered a strong candidate for the permanent managerial position.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Boston Red Sox made different choices?