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

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BOSTON, MA – SEPTEMBER 24: Michael Chavis #23 of the Boston Red Sox is unable to make a catch at the Green Monster in the fourth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on September 24, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /

No. 22: 2020 Red Sox (24-36)

Even with three other last-place finishes this century, there is no doubt the 2020 Red Sox were the worst team of the 2000s. Hope was low after trading Mookie Betts a month before the season, and it sunk even lower as a pandemic-shortened season exposed the team’s lack of depth.

It’s a good thing, however, that this season was only 60 games, as this team was downright unwatchable. There were some standout performers, as Xander Bogaerts (128 OPS+), Rafael Devers (11 HR, 43 RBI), and Alex Verdugo (.308 AVG) each put together quality campaigns. Yet the shocking regression of J.D. Martinez (.213/.291/.389) and Andrew Benintendi (25 OPS+ before a season-ending injury) held back the offense.

The pitching, meanwhile, was a mess. With Chris Sale still out with Tommy John surgery and Eduardo Rodriguez missing the entire season with myocarditis, the Red Sox simply didn’t have enough major-league caliber pitchers.

The Red Sox were forced to give starts to the likes of Zack Godley (8.16 ERA), Kyle Hart (15.55 ERA), Colten Brewer (5.61 ERA), and Mike Kickham (7.71 ERA). The result was a ghastly 5.58 team ERA, a 24-36 record, and, somehow, the number four pick in the 2021 MLB draft.

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