19 former Red Sox that are playing in the 2024 MLB Postseason

The Boston Red Sox were eliminated from playoff contention with three games remaining in the regular season. But that doesn't mean there's any shortage of former Red Sox in the postseason for fans to root for — or hate-watch, if that's your thing.

There are a staggering 19 former Sox in the postseason, but a few teams don't feature any. The Cleveland Guardians, Detroit Tigers and Baltimore Orioles did not have any former Red Sox on their rosters by the time the Wild Card round started. Baltimore had 2016-18 Red Sox Craig Kimbrel on the squad for most of the season, but he was designated for assignment on Sept. 18 and later released.

Every other team in the race to the Fall Classic has at least one former Red Sox player on their roster, and some have up to four. The players in the postseason range from fan favorites to hated players, to the one that got away. Here's every former Sox player who participated in the 2024 postseason, organized by their current teams.

19 former Red Sox that are playing in the 2024 MLB Postseason

Royals

The Royals are tied with the Mets with the most former Red Sox on their roster. John Schreiber, Michael Wacha, Hunter Renfroe and Tommy Pham will battle through a close race in the AL just one year after the Royals lost 106 games.

Schneider is one of the most recent Red Sox on this list. He was traded to Kansas City for pitching prospect David Sandlin during spring training 2024. Schrieber posted a 2.90 ERA in his three seasons with the Red Sox from 2021-23. Wacha clocked a 3.32 ERA in his 23 starts with Boston in 2022, when Pham was also on the team. Renfroe was a Red Sox in 2021, during their most recent postseason run.

Yankees

The Yankees and Red Sox don't make trades often, but Alex Verdugo swapped his Sox for pinstripes last offseason. He spent four seasons with Boston and slashed .281/.338/.424 during that time. He's been competing for playing time with Yankees prospect Jasson Domínguez.

It's a tight race in the American League this year and there aren't many clear favorites, but New York fans are clamoring for a championship after a 12-year drought. If the Yankees lose, their future with Juan Soto may be on the line.

Dodgers

Red Sox Nation still misses Mookie Betts every day. He's in the throes of his fifth postseason with the Dodgers. Boston sent Kiké Hernández back to the Dodgers before the 2023 trade deadline after a two-and-a-half-year tenure. Ryan Brasier pitched to a 4.55 ERA over his five-plus seasons with the Red Sox from 2019-23.

The Dodgers won the NL West to secure a ticket straight to the NLDS to face the Padres. San Diego is one of the hottest teams in the race and LA's playoff history isn't on its side.

Mets

Many Red Sox fans have probably become temporary Mets fans this postseason. Not only are they the other New York squad, but their roster is tied with the Royals' with the most former Red Sox, including the most recent one.

New York fought through the Wild Card round to get to the NLDS where they'll face their arch-rival Phillies. The Mets have four former Sox on their squad: four-time Red Sox All-Star J.D. Martinez has been New York's designated hitter this year. Jose Iglesias began his career with the Sox from 2011-13 and returned for their 2021 ALCS run. Adam Ottavino posted a 4.21 ERA with Boston in 2022

Pablo Reyes is the most recent Red Sox among the 19 in the playoff race. He suited up for Boston on April 27 and played in the Sox's minor-league system until he was traded to the Mets on May 25.

Padres

Xander Bogaerts and Martín Pérez played together in Boston during Pérez's tenure with the team in 2020-21. Bogaerts left after the 2022 campaign when the Red Sox front office made him a pitiful extension offer. He batted .292/.356/.458 over his 10 seasons with Boston.

The Padres posted one of the best second-half performances in MLB and they'll need to maintain that level of play for the tough road ahead. The Dodgers and Phillies won't be easy matchups, but San Diego has the pitching to handle almost anyone.

Phillies

Kyle Schwarber was the ultimate fan favorite during the Sox's 2021 run to the ALCS and Matt Strahm clocked a 3.83 ERA over 44.2 innings with the Red Sox during the 2022 campaign. The Phillies secured a first-round bye to the NLDS, where they'll face the Mets in the postseason for the first time in the teams' history.

Former Red Sox eliminated in the Wild Card round

Adam Duvall and Chris Sale were eliminated with the Atlanta Braves on Oct. 2. Duvall slashed .247/.303/.531 during his one season with the Red Sox in 2022. Boston traded Sale in December 2023 and he posted his first great season in years. A back injury acted up at the wrong time, though, and Sale was unable to pitch in the Wild Card round for Atlanta.

Reliever Kaleb Ort posted a rough 6.27 ERA with the Red Sox from 2021-23. He spent his 2024 campaign with the Houston Astros, who were also swept in the Wild Card round and eliminated on Oct. 2.

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