A month into the season, the Boston Red Sox sit in second place in the American League East, which is solid in the wake of some of their early troubles.
And, while many fans have rightfully called on Boston's lackluster offensive start as one of the reasons for their struggles, it is clear that the team's struggles span far beyond the team's slow start with the bats. Luckily for the Red Sox, the season is still in its infancy, meaning that a quick turnaround is possible if they identify and address these three trouble spots that have plagued them this young season.
3 surprising trouble spots for Red Sox that have already emerged
Boston’s catching woes
Entering 2025, the Red Sox's catcher position was of least concern, as the team's starter, Connor Wong, was coming off a productive 2024 season that saw him hit 13 home runs and put up a 110 wRC+ in 126 games. However, on top of a slow start to his 2025 campaign, Boston's top catcher was sidelined with a left pinky fracture, an injury that has kept him out since early April. Boston's lack of capable depth behind the plate quickly became an issue.
The team is currently in quite a precarious situation, as Carlos Narváez, whom Boston acquired in a trade with the Yankees this winter, has served as the primary catcher since Wong's injury. While displaying great defensive attributes, Narváez has struggled mightily at the plate, currently holding a 76 OPS+. Outside of Narváez, Boston's lone option has been Blake Sabol, who has looked significantly worse on both sides of the ball.
With such a lack of depth at the catcher position, the Red Sox cannot afford any more injuries, so they will have to hold on until Wong is able to return.
Troubles with middle relief
Arguably the team's most significant issue, the Red Sox have struggled early on with middle-inning relievers, which has cost them in series against the White Sox and Mariners. While the team has gems in Garrett Whitlock and closer Aroldis Chapman, the same cannot be said for their bridge relievers, as Greg Weissert, Justin Wilson, and the newly demoted Josh Winckowski have all been underwhelming this season.
However, the biggest falloff in the Red Sox bullpen has been Zack Kelly. Kelly, who sported a 3.97 ERA in 56.2 innings in 2024, has seemingly fallen off a cliff in 2025. In 10 innings of work, he currently holds a 9.00 ERA and an ERA+ of 48. The Red Sox optioned him to Triple-A Worcester on April 22.
Red Sox starters have been inconsistent
Despite ace Garrett Crochet being as dominant as advertised, Boston's starting rotation has been wildly inconsistent to open the 2025 season. Due to several injuries to starters, the Red Sox have had to rely on Sean Newcomb in the fifth spot, who currently holds a 4.43 ERA and a 95 ERA+ in five starts. However, Boston's easiest disappointment has been the team's number two starter, Tanner Houck. An All-Star in 2024, Houck has easily taken the largest nosedive in 2025, pitching to a 7.58 ERA and 55 ERA+ in 29.2 innings.
If the Red Sox want to compete in 2025, they will need to improve their pitching. Luckily for the club, the rotation should see several boosts over the next few weeks. In addition to Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito already making their returns, the Red Sox also expect Richard Fitts to be back soon.
Overall, there is still a lot of baseball left to be played in 2025, and despite their current issues, the Red Sox are primed to make a deep run.