The Boston Red Sox endured a soap opera first half of the 2026 MLB season, but they did win nine games in a row to head into the All-Star break. Such a winning streak vaulted the Sox right into the American League Wild Card picture.
Boston fans are starting to believe again. The Red Sox's starting rotation is fierce (even without Garrett Crochet), which bodes well for the postseason. Interim manager Chad Tracy now has a winning record (37-31) at the helm. Things are looking up.
Of course, there have been plenty of disappointments and underperformers inside Boston's clubhouse this season. We'll zero in on three of those guys here as having the "most to lose" in the second half if they don't get their act together.
3 Red Sox players with the most to lose if they continue to struggle in the second half
Brayan Bello
Bello's identity as an MLB-caliber pitcher is hanging in the balance right now. Following a string of horrific outings (in which Bello routinely got shelled in the first inning of his starts), the right-hander was demoted to Triple-A Worcester on July 5.
The Red Sox need to be investigated for throwing games if Brayan Bello makes another start for the rest of the year. What an absolute bum.
— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) June 4, 2026
The Red Sox recently called Bello back up for a bullpen appearance, and he fared well. The formula for Bello in the second half might be to piggyback him on top of an opener whenever needed.
At any rate, Bello's in a tough spot — he might not get a ton of opportunities to re-assert his value, but when his name does get called, he must deliver. Another disastrous outing or two could send the message around the league that Bello's confidence (and career) is officially cooked until further notice.
Jarren Duran
While Duran's had more success than Bello at the MLB level (thereby solidifying his status as a legit big leaguer in a way that Bello hasn't), Duran's reputation is still teetering at the moment. Duran is hitting .195 with 114 strikeouts (!) this season — a far, far cry from his 2024 campaign in which the previously dynamic outfielder finished No. 8 in American League MVP voting.
In 2024, Duran hit .285 with 48 doubles and 14 triples. Through the first 94 games of 2026, he's tallied just 10 doubles and 2 triples.
Duran's sometimes distasteful behavior with fans has always been forgiven due to his talent and production. When that production disappears, then what? Duran needs a solid second half to avoid a general consensus that his 2024 campaign was a fluke (and he's simply not that good).
Marcelo Mayer
Through 114 career games, Mayer has a .624 OPS, and that figure is even lower (.594) this season. Pair that with some of Mayer's disappointing mental gaffes defensively, and he's been an underwhelming big leaguer, especially when held up against his reputation as a top prospect.
Mayer's also never established any sort of durablity. He's currently sidelined again, this time with a bone stress reaction.
I'm a believer in Mayer and expect him to break through and establish some consistency ... eventually. But how long is it going to take? And will his body ever stop betraying him? A strong second half — once he returns — would be huge for Mayer's career. Sadly, he might not get as many opportunities, now that Anthony Seigler and Romy González are options in the infield, and Trevor Story is close to returning.
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