Red Sox Fans Demand Ownership Change After Slow 2-7 Start

Frustration boils over as Boston struggles out of the gate in 2026 MLB season

Apr. 5, 2026 at 9:21pm

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The Boston Red Sox have stumbled out of the gate in the 2026 MLB season, starting 2-7 and sitting in last place in the AL East. Fans have voiced their displeasure, with chants of 'sell the team' heard during the team's latest loss to the San Diego Padres. The slow start has led to strong reactions on social media, with some calling for ownership changes and questioning the team's offseason moves and roster decisions.

Why it matters

The Red Sox entered the 2026 season with high expectations, but their poor start has frustrated fans who believe the team has the talent to compete for a division title. The early struggles have reignited long-simmering tensions between the fanbase and the team's ownership group, Fenway Sports Group, who have faced criticism for their stewardship of the franchise.

The details

Through the first nine games of the season, the Red Sox have struggled mightily, losing 7 of their first 9 contests. This includes an 8-6 defeat to the San Diego Padres on Sunday, where faint 'sell the team' chants could be heard from the Fenway Park crowd. The team's slow start has led to strong reactions on social media, with fans voicing their displeasure with the team's ownership and front office. Some have called for Fenway Sports Group to sell the team, while others have criticized recent roster decisions, including the team's handling of outfielder Roman Anthony.

  • The Red Sox started the 2026 season with a 2-7 record through their first 9 games.
  • During the Red Sox's loss to the Padres on Sunday, April 5, 2026, faint 'sell the team' chants could be heard from the Fenway Park crowd.

The players

Boston Red Sox

The professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts that competes in Major League Baseball's American League East division.

Fenway Sports Group

The ownership group that has controlled the Boston Red Sox since 2002, led by principal owner John Henry.

Roman Anthony

An outfielder for the Boston Red Sox who has faced criticism from fans for his early-season performance.

Alex Cora

The manager of the Boston Red Sox, who is tasked with guiding the team through their slow start to the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“i hate john henry. i hate craig breslow. i hate the red sox. i hate baseball.”

— @timel0rdd, Twitter user

“'Sell the team' chants were way over due, nevertheless couldn't be prouder of Red Sox fans participating in the message to ownership. FSG, you asked for it.”

— @GioJRivera, Twitter user

“'Red Sox might be 2-7, but they lead the league in financial flexibility.'”

— @Evenflow226, Twitter user

“If you love the Red Sox STOP going to games!!! Nothing will change until FSG is gone.”

— @RunMoseRun, Twitter user

What’s next

The Red Sox front office and manager Alex Cora will need to evaluate the team's roster and make any necessary adjustments to try to turn the season around. Fans will continue to voice their displeasure with the team's ownership if the poor start continues.

The takeaway

The Red Sox's slow start to the 2026 season has reignited long-standing tensions between the team's fanbase and its ownership group, Fenway Sports Group. Fans are demanding changes, from roster moves to a potential sale of the team, as they grow increasingly frustrated with the team's performance and direction. How the Red Sox respond to this early adversity could shape the narrative around the franchise for the rest of the season.