With spring training a few weeks away it is time to start thinking about baseball again. So, to wrap up 2024 we are going to take a look at the changes made from top to bottom by Red Sox in 2024 which was filled with dramatic headlines, surprising decisions, and moments that left fans both hopeful and frustrated. At the forefront of the news early in the year was Lucas Giolito’s surprising signing. The Red Sox inked him to a two-year contract in January, despite the knowledge that he would likely miss the entirety of 2024 due to injury. It was a move that raised eyebrows across baseball, with some questioning the logic of committing significant resources to a player who wouldn’t contribute immediately. However, it also hinted at a longer-term vision—a commitment to building for the future beyond the upcoming season.
Another storyline that grabbed attention was the return of Theo Epstein, not as a general manager, but as a part owner and senior advisor. According to Chowder & Champions, Epstein, who famously guided the Red Sox to their first championship in 86 years during his tenure from 2004 to 2011, was welcomed back with open arms by fans and owner John Henry who remembered his transformational leadership. His re-entry into the organization symbolized a renewed hope for a more competitive future, even as the team faced immediate challenges.
One of those challenges came in the form of Justin Turner’s departure. Turner’s decision to leave Boston for Baltimore shocked fans and prompted heated discussions about ownership’s commitment to retaining key players. His leadership and production had been vital in 2023, and his exit to a division rival stung deeply. For many, it raised larger questions about the direction of the franchise and whether the front office had a cohesive plan to remain competitive in an increasingly tough AL East.
The uncertainty surrounding the team’s roster was exacerbated by the injury to Trevor Story. A crucial piece of the Red Sox’s infield, Story’s absence threw the team’s plans for shortstop into chaos. What was expected to be a seamless transition turned into a scramble to find solutions, with a rotating cast of players attempting to fill the void. This disruption had a domino effect on the infield and lineup construction, further complicating manager Alex Cora’s task of putting a winning team on the field.
April proved to be a brutal month for the Red Sox as injuries piled up. Beyond Story, key players across the roster found themselves sidelined, leaving the team to rely on depth pieces and call-ups from the minors. The injury bug hit the pitching staff particularly hard, forcing the team to make constant adjustments and deal with uneven performances. The sheer number of setbacks tested the organization’s resilience and exposed gaps in their depth that had been overlooked during the offseason.
Despite these early struggles, the Red Sox’s front office didn’t sit idly by. Between May 1st and the July 31st trade deadline, they made a flurry of moves to stabilize the roster and address glaring weaknesses. The acquisition of versatile players capable of filling multiple roles, along with targeted trades for bullpen reinforcements, reflected a commitment to salvaging the season. These moves didn’t turn the team into immediate contenders, but they kept the Red Sox competitive enough to stay in the mix.
Ultimately, the 2024 season ended with the Red Sox finishing at 81-81, squarely in the middle of the pack. While this record was far from what fans had hoped for, it marked a significant improvement over their dismal last-place finish in 2023. The .500 finish provided a glimmer of optimism, showing that the team had the foundation to build upon for the future. It was a testament to the players’ and coaching staff’s resilience in the face of adversity, even if the postseason remained out of reach.
Here’s the thing folks: The Red Sox’s focus shifted to preparing for 2025 the moment they were eliminated from the playoffs. The moves they’ve made since the season ended suggest a renewed determination to return to playoff contention. Adding depth to both the rotation and lineup, re-signing key contributors, and targeting free agents to address lingering weaknesses have positioned the team to take a step forward. The front office’s actions have demonstrated a willingness to invest in the roster and a clearer vision for how to compete in a challenging division.
With that… the combination of Epstein’s influence, Giolito’s anticipated return, and the lessons learned from a tumultuous 2024 season offer reasons for cautious optimism. While there are still many hurdles to overcome, the Red Sox seem poised to write a more successful chapter in their storied history as they aim to reclaim their place among baseball’s elite.
If you cannot play with them, then root for them!