New Year's resolutions have been around for centuries. Promises made to do something in the coming year are nothing new.
For some, it's trying to exercise more, others want to eat healthy, but it's usually something to improve the resolutioner. This concept can also apply to sports teams.
Coming off their first playoff appearance in four seasons, the Boston Red Sox are trending in an upward direction. They have a young, stable core that they are supplementing with quality veterans, and hopes are high for 2026. Now it's time for them to make those New Year's resolutions to make sure they have goals for success in 2026.
3 New Year's resolutions for the Red Sox in 2026
Don't lead the league in errors again
Not your fault, Early. Red Sox defense let this team down. Shouldn’t be surprised.
— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) October 3, 2025
Boston has been one of the worst defensive teams in MLB the last few seasons. It's finished in the top three in team errors in three straight seasons, culminating in the most in 2025, six more than the 43-119 Colorado Rockies. While the advanced metrics favor the Sox more, that was heavily weighted by their elite defensive outfield.
A goal of the Red Sox's offseason has been to improve the defense. So far, they have done so. The addition of Willson Contreras at first base will certainly help, and Marcelo Mayer playing a lot more will be a big plus as well. It needs to show, though, and if the Sox want more success in '26 than they got in '25, they will need to cut down the errors.
Slug More
This sounds simple and easy, but the Red Sox lost their power stroke last season. They ranked 15th in team homers last season, but after the Rafael Devers trade on June 15, they fell to 23rd. They finished 9th in team slugging for the season, and after June 15, they were 12th. Boston also hasn't had three players hit 25+ home runs in the same season since 2021, when it had four.
When the Red Sox are the most successful, they mash. In 2004, 2013, and 2018, they finished as the number one team in MLB in team slugging; in 2007, they were sixth. They need to move up the leaderboard in 2026. Hit more homers, take advantage of the monster, and abuse opposing pitchers.
Win the division
Don't overcomplicate things. The Red Sox haven't won the AL East since 2018. It's time for them to be back on top, and this year may mean more than others. The Blue Jays just went to the World Series and have made major additions to their squad. The Orioles are splashing cash to try maximize their young, talented roster. The Yankees still have Aaron Judge, and Gerrit Cole will be back in 2026. The Rays always find ways to be competitive.
The AL East is going to be harder to win next year than it has in recent years, but that's why it should be the goal. Don't sneak into the Wild Card — prove to the league that the Red Sox have arrived, and be confident that Boston is the team to beat in the 2026 playoffs.