Red Sox' elite defense can’t mask MLB-worst offense in disastrous 2026 start
The Red Sox went all in on defense this offseason as a means to win games, and it's showed. However, their offense is preventing them from getting to their goal.
Red Sox' elite defense can’t mask MLB-worst offense in disastrous 2026 start originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Boston Red Sox ’ 2026 season has been a total disaster so far, with the team sitting in the bottom of the AL East with a record of 13-21.
This is definitely not what they were expecting, and neither was the MLB. Funnily enough, the Sox’ gameplan this offseason when creating their team was defense wins games, so get some pitchers and good fielders. They got guys like Ranger Suarez and Willson Contreras, but they severely overestimated their roster’s offensive production .
The Red Sox' defense is elite © Eric Canha-Imagn Images Defensively, the Sox are arguably the best team in the MLB . They are No. 1 in Defensive Runs Saved (DRS), Outs Above Average (OAA) and Fielding Run Value (FRV).
They also have two Gold Gloves in Wilyer Abreu and Ceddanne Rafaela. Their outfield configuration of Roman Anthony, Abreu, and Rafaela is also arguably the best defensive outfield trio in the MLB. Their starting pitching has also been mostly elite.