The Boston Red Sox finished last in the AL East last year, with a 78-84 record.
That hadn’t happened over a full 162-game season since 2015.
They also lost Xander Bogaerts over the offseason, just two years after trading franchise star Mookie Betts.
Still, somehow, there is interest in the team by fans.
The numbers, in this particular regard, don’t lie.
“Red Sox ticket sales are up 4.5 percent from this time last year, Sam Kennedy says,” MassLive’s Christopher Smith tweeted.
Red Sox ticket sales are up 4.5 percent from this time last year, Sam Kennedy says
— Christopher Smith (@SmittyOnMLB) February 20, 2023
One would think fans would be mad at losing Bogaerts, but in all fairness, the team did make some moves to remain interesting and competitive.
They extended Rafael Devers to a huge contract and made him the face of the franchise.
They also brought in Japanese sensation Masataka Yoshida, starter Corey Kluber, and star reliever Kenley Jansen among other players.
The team, however, has lost too much talent to think they have a legitimate shot at winning the division.
They may fight for a playoff berth, but the other four teams in the East are looking better, at least on paper.
The New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, and Tampa Bay Rays all made the playoffs last year; and the Baltimore Orioles are on an upward trend.
Bogaerts, JD Martinez, Nathan Eovaldi, and Michael Wacha are no longer with the Sox, and those were among the most important players on last year’s roster.
Some prospects might be able to contribute and become stars, such as Triston Casas and Brayan Bello, but 2023 will probably be somewhat of a transition year in Boston.
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The Red Sox Have A Team Legend Helping In Spring Camp
