With only three weeks left in the MLB regular season, the playoffs are just around the corner. Despite losing Roman Anthony to an oblique injury this week, the Boston Red Sox still appear likely to reach the postseason for the first time since 2021.
No team is perfect, and even the best clubs have their flaws. While the Red Sox are young, exciting and talented, they have their share of issues heading into October.
On Friday, writers at The Athletic named their top concern for all 12 teams currently in playoff position. Boston beat writer Jen McCaffrey identified “rotation and bullpen question marks” as her biggest red flags for the Red Sox, who could have done more to bolster their pitching staff at the trade deadline.
“Concerns in the back end of the rotation and middle of the bullpen could add up down the stretch. The rotation is led by Garrett Crochet, Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito, but the Red Sox need more than three starters to get to the postseason,” McCaffrey writes.
While Boston’s top three starting pitchers have been terrific, the back of the rotation looks shaky. Dustin May has been inconsistent since being acquired at the trade deadline and Payton Tolle is a rookie with just one career Major League start under his belt. Trusting both of them down the stretch and in October could be risky.
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The bullpen is in similar shape. While the Red Sox have three late-inning studs in Aroldis Chapman, Garrett Whitlock and Steven Matz, their lower-leverage relievers and overall depth could be better.
“The back of the bullpen is locked down with Aroldis Chapman and Garrett Whitlock, but the rest of the pen has been in flux,” writes McCaffrey. “Justin Slaten is coming off an injury and building back up. Justin Wilson and Greg Weissert have been better more often than not. Steven Matz has seen some high-leverage spots alongside Brennan Bernardino, but questions remain.”
Relievers are even more important in the postseason with starters throwing fewer innings, so Boston’s bullpen depth will be tested.
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The teams with the best pitching tend to go far in October. If the Red Sox fall short, it might be because they don’t have enough arms.
