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Introduction to the Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are one of Major League Baseball’s most successful franchises. Founded in 1901, they have won nine World Series championships, more than any other American League team. The Red Sox are also one of the most popular teams in all of baseball, with millions of fans worldwide.
The Red Sox have been a perennial favorite in the postseason, but 2020 has been a difficult year for the team. After a strong start to the season, the team stumbled down the stretch and failed to make the playoffs.
Are The Red Sox Eliminated From The Playoffs?
The answer to this question is a resounding yes. The Red Sox have been officially eliminated from the playoffs. After a strong start to the season, the Red Sox faltered down the stretch and failed to make the playoffs. The team finished the season with a record of 24-36, placing them in fourth place in their division and out of the playoff picture.
What Led To The Red Sox Not Making The Playoffs?
There are a few factors that led to the Red Sox’s absence from the playoffs this season. First and foremost, the team suffered from injuries to key players. Starting pitchers Chris Sale and Nathan Eovaldi both missed significant time due to injuries, and the team’s offense struggled to pick up the slack.
In addition, the Red Sox had a difficult schedule in 2020. The team had to play a majority of their games on the road, which made it difficult for the team to win games. The Red Sox also had to play two doubleheaders in the span of one week, which put added strain on the players and may have contributed to the team’s struggles.
Reasons For Optimism Going Forward
Despite the team’s disappointing season, there are reasons for optimism going forward. The Red Sox have a strong core of young players, including Rafael Devers and Xander Bogaerts, who are both All-Stars. In addition, the team has a deep farm system and several high-ceiling prospects that can help the team in the future.
The Red Sox also have one of the most respected front offices in baseball. President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski, General Manager Brian O’Halloran, and Assistant General Manager Eddie Romero are all highly-regarded executives in the game. The trio has done a great job of building a competitive team, and they will undoubtedly look to continue to do so in the future.
Impact Of The Red Sox Missing The Playoffs
The Red Sox not making the playoffs will have a major impact on the team going forward. For one, the team’s payroll is expected to decrease significantly next season. This will likely lead to the team having to make some tough decisions when it comes to player personnel.
In addition, the team’s ownership is likely to be under increased scrutiny. Red Sox owner John Henry has been active in trying to make the team competitive on the field, and the team’s failure to make the playoffs this season will only add to the pressure on him to make the right moves going forward.
Reasons Why The Red Sox Could Bounce Back In 2021
Despite the disappointment of missing the playoffs this season, there are several reasons why the Red Sox could rebound in 2021. First, the team has a strong core of young players that they can build around. Players such as Devers and Bogaerts will be the foundation of the team’s future success.
In addition, the team has a deep farm system that will provide them with some much-needed depth. Several of the team’s top prospects, such as Bryan Mata and Jeter Downs, are expected to make an impact in the major leagues in the near future.
Finally, the team’s front office is one of the best in the game. Dave Dombrowski and his staff have done an excellent job of building a competitive team, and they should be able to continue to do so in the future.
Possible Moves The Red Sox Could Make This Offseason
The Red Sox have a lot of work to do this offseason if they are to have a successful 2021. Here are a few moves the team could make:
Sign A Starting Pitcher:
The Red Sox need to add a quality starting pitcher to the rotation. The team could look to sign a free agent such as Jake Odorizzi or trade for a pitcher like Madison Bumgarner. Either move would give the team a quality arm to pair with Chris Sale and Nathan Eovaldi.
Sign A Closer:
The Red Sox are in need of a reliable closer to lock down games in the late innings. The team could look to sign a free agent such as Craig Kimbrel or make a trade for an established closer such as Brad Hand.
Make A Trade For A Slugger:
The Red Sox need to add a power hitter to the lineup to provide the team with some much-needed pop. The team could look to make a trade for a slugger such as Francisco Lindor or J.D. Martinez.
Conclusion
The Red Sox have been officially eliminated from the playoffs in 2020. While this is a disappointing result, the team still has a bright future ahead. The Red Sox have a core of young players to build around and a deep farm system to provide them with depth. In addition, the team has one of the most respected front offices in baseball.
The Red Sox will have plenty of work to do this offseason if they are to have a successful 2021. The team could look to sign a starting pitcher and closer in free agency or make a trade for a power hitter.
No matter what moves the team makes this offseason, one thing is for sure: the Boston Red Sox are determined to bounce back and get back to the playoffs in 2021.