Red Sox Struggle Early as Roster Overhaul Looms

Boston's thin lineup and pitching staff face early-season challenges before home opener.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:07am

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The Boston Red Sox have stumbled out of the gate in the 2026 MLB season, going 1-4 through their first two series. With a leaner roster after the offseason departures of star players like Rafael Devers, the team is relying heavily on the performance of remaining ace Roman Anthony to keep them competitive. Concerns are mounting about the team's ability to overcome their early struggles and pull off another turnaround like last year's 5-game winning streak to start April.

Why it matters

The Red Sox's slow start raises questions about the team's ability to remain competitive in the AL East after an offseason of roster turnover. Their success or failure in the early part of the season could set the tone for the rest of their campaign and impact fan and media perceptions of the team's future outlook.

The details

The Red Sox began the 2026 season with a 1-4 record, struggling both on the mound and at the plate. With the departure of All-Star third baseman Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants, the team is now heavily reliant on the performance of ace pitcher Roman Anthony to keep them in games. The pressure is mounting on Anthony to produce MVP-caliber numbers to offset the lineup's lack of offensive firepower.

  • The Red Sox started the 2026 season with a 1-4 record through their first two series.
  • Last season, the Red Sox were able to overcome a similar 1-4 start by winning 5 straight games to begin April.

The players

Roman Anthony

The Red Sox's ace pitcher who is expected to carry the team's pitching staff after the offseason departures of several key players.

Rafael Devers

The All-Star third baseman who was traded from the Red Sox to the San Francisco Giants during the offseason, leaving a significant hole in Boston's lineup.

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What they’re saying

“We need to find a way to get going early this season. The slow start is concerning, but we know we have the talent to turn things around.”

— Alex Cora, Red Sox Manager

What’s next

The Red Sox will look to rebound when they open their home schedule at Fenway Park on April 3rd.

The takeaway

The Red Sox's early-season struggles highlight the challenges they face in rebuilding their roster after an offseason of significant player departures. Their ability to overcome these obstacles and find a winning formula will be crucial in determining the team's competitiveness in the AL East this year.