Sports Illustrated - USA (2020 - Spring)

47

IF THERE’S A pattern to the 21st-century

Red Sox, it’s that titles follow turmoil. The

team was sold in 2002, turned over its front

office, then won the World Series in both

’04 and ’07. General manager Theo Epstein

left in ’11 (the year of the “chicken and

beer” team) and the Sox won the ’13 Series

under Ben Cherington. Not two years later,

Dave Dombrowski took over, and a fourth

championship in 15 seasons followed.

So consider that history when looking at

the last six months in Boston, which featured

another GM change, to former Rays exec

Chaim Bloom; the departure of manager Alex

Cora after MLB’s investigation uncovered

his role in the Astros’ sign-stealing scheme;

and the trade of outfielder Mookie Betts, a

fan favorite and the AL MVP in ’18, when the

team won 108 games and the Series.

Unable to sign Betts to an extension,

Boston sent him to the Dodgers for

outfielder Alex Verdugo and two prospects.

It’s a good return for one year of even a great

player like Betts. By including lefthander

David Price in the deal, the Sox also moved

a high-risk pitcher owed $96 million

through 2022 (of which Boston will eat

half ). The trade pushes the Sox well below

the player-tax threshold, cushioning the

blow of contracts for starters Nathan Eovaldi

and Chris Sale, which seem far riskier today

than they did when they were signed.

Even without Betts, the Red Sox have an

outside shot at a wild card, thanks to a lineup

anchored by shortstop Xander Bogaerts,

third baseman Rafael Devers, outfielder

Andrew Benintendi and DH J.D. Martinez.

It may take a year or two to acquire enough

starting pitching to challenge for the

division. That’s when we’ll find out whether

the cash Boston saved by dealing Betts went

into improving the roster.

Losing Mookie Betts (and David Price, which hurt a weak staff) lowered the Sox’ ceiling.

84.5 While their nucleus is still strong, they lack the depth to hang with the Yankees or Rays.

| 1B | The erstwhile baby-faced assassin has left

| 3.1 WAR

MOVING DOWN

CHRIS

SALE

4.40 ERA | 2.3 WAR

Long in

question, the

spindly Sale’s

durability

finally failed

him: He was

shut down last

August after

going 6–11 with

a career-worst

4.40 ERA.

RED SOX

AL EAST

ROBERT BECK

Even without Betts, the Sox have

a shot at a wild card, thanks to a

lineup anchored by Bogaerts,

Devers, Benintendi and Martinez.