The Boston Red Sox entered the All-Star break with their spirits high, reaching their highest point of the season at that juncture, being 11 games over .500. The team and its fans were filled with confidence as they eyed a strong second half of the season. However, a sobering three-game sweep by the Los Angeles Dodgers may have tempered that optimism and forced the front office to reassess its approach leading up to the trade deadline.
The series against the Dodgers exposed some critical areas of concern for the Red Sox. Primarily, the starting rotation, which has been a focus for potential upgrades, showed vulnerabilities. Kutter Crawford struggled, allowing five home runs in a single game, highlighting the need for more reliable pitching depth. Additionally, the bullpen faltered, with Brennan Bernardino giving up a grand slam and sporting an alarming 18.00 ERA over his last seven appearances.
Offensively, while the Red Sox managed to score 13 runs in the series, they struggled in clutch situations, leaving a staggering 25 runners on base over the three games. The lineup clearly showed signs of needing reinforcement.
Some takeaways as the Red Sox are swept in LA: https://t.co/3wAYjFC9hv
— Jen McCaffrey (@jcmccaffrey) July 22, 2024
Manager Alex Cora has been vocal about his desire for the front office to bolster the roster, but the sweep by the Dodgers may have shaken the confidence of decision-makers within the organization. What was once a clear path towards postseason contention now seems clouded, with the urgency to make impactful moves before the trade deadline becoming more pronounced.
The upcoming series against the Colorado Rockies has suddenly transformed into a must-win scenario for the Red Sox. The last time Boston faced a “must-win” situation against the Chicago White Sox in June, they split the series, which was less than ideal. While subsequent series wins against the Phillies and Yankees softened the blow, the Red Sox cannot afford a similar outcome against the Rockies, especially with the Yankees breathing down their necks.
Coors Field, known for its hitter-friendly conditions, poses a challenge for Boston’s pitching staff, which has struggled to maintain consistency. The Rockies, despite their overall record, have shown prowess at home, posing a potential threat to the Red Sox’s quest to rebound.
As the trade deadline approaches on July 30th, the front office faces a pivotal decision. The recent setbacks against the Dodgers have underscored the team’s vulnerabilities and highlighted the need for reinforcements. Ownership’s historical caution with spending adds another layer of complexity, making it imperative for the Red Sox to perform well in Denver to maintain momentum towards a postseason push.
The next few games will be crucial in determining whether Boston commits to being buyers or adopts a more cautious approach at the trade deadline. The urgency is palpable, and the Red Sox must deliver to convince their front office that they are worth investing in for a deep playoff run.