Red Sox History: Ranking every squad of the 21st century

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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 11: Enrique Hernandez #5 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates his game winning sacrifice fly with teammates in the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays during Game 4 of the American League Division Series at Fenway Park on October 11, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images) /

No. 8: 2021 Red Sox (92-70)

There was not a lot of hope for the 2021 Red Sox. After a 24-36 2020 season and an offseason full of bargain shopping, most pundits predicted the Red Sox would finish 4th in the AL East, ahead of only the lowly Orioles. Yet a 9-game win streak in April helped the Red Sox to a 55-36 first-half record, good for first place in the AL East.

As usual, the Red Sox were powered by a great offense. Rafael Devers set a career-high with 38 home runs and 113 RBI, while Xander Bogaerts (126 OPS+), Hunter Renfroe (31 HR, 96 RBI), J.D Martinez (28 HR, 99 RBI), and rookie Bobby Dalbec (25) all had great seasons.

The pitching staff was led by Nathan Eovaldi, who struck out 195 batters en route to an All-Star appearance. However, no other starter had an ERA under 4.50, and closer Matt Barnes had a 6.48 ERA in the second half.

The poor pitching and a COVID outbreak led to a mediocre 36-32 second-half record and cost them the division. However, the midseason acquisition of Kyle Schwarber (154 OPS+) and the emergence of rookie reliever Garrett Whitlock (1.96) helped weather the storm and lead the Red Sox to a Wild Card berth and an ALCS appearance.

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