Boston Red Sox fans have been dissatisfied with recent seasons' outcomes. Fans have come to the conclusion that John Henry and the rest of Fenway Sports Group just aren't trying to bring a World Series back to Boston.
While that realization is depressing, it's better than the alternative.
The Toronto Blue Jays have been desperate for success, season after season. Their ownership spent a record amount of money on the 2024 campaign, and their placement in the American League East leaves something to be desired for a payroll so high.
Rumors even surfaced that Toronto may seek to trade its two stars, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette. General manager Ross Atkins later clarified that those trades " make sense" for the club at this time, but neither of the two have performed well enough to warrant long-term extensions when their contracts expire.
Justin Turner has struggled during his time with the Jays, although he put up a quality outing against the Red Sox to open the series. He's batting .232/.322/.369 and carries the lowest bat speed in the league. His $12 million contract hasn't looked great almost halfway through the season.
Red Sox fans can take solace in Blue Jays' struggles with franchise record payroll
There's just something about a Raffy opposite-field homer. pic.twitter.com/xqzCryNh7D
— Red Sox (@RedSox) June 17, 2024
George Springer has also had trouble offensively. He's slashing just .197/.289/.289 with two seasons left on the largest deal in Blue Jays history. They have the fifth-highest bullpen ERA in the league, which spoils their middle-of-the-road starter ERA. Their star closer Jordan Romano has been sidelined with elbow issues. The Red Sox teed off on their pitching staff for four homers on 11 hits on June 17.
Toronto's offense has been unimpressive, too. It has the fourth-fewest homers in the league, fifth-fewest RBI, and the third-lowest slugging percentage.
To make matters worse for the Blue Jays, the Red Sox have been better than many experts or fans expected. Even through dozens of injuries, Boston has held tight to third place in the AL East for much of the season to date. The division has grown used to the Sox falling to last place in recent years, but the Jays and Rays have traded off at the bottom this season.
Red Sox fans have been at the mercy of apathetic ownership for four seasons, but that may be better than Toronto's record payroll for poor results, although neither result is ideal. The Blue Jays haven't spent their money wisely, and that won't fly in the most competitive division in baseball.
Red Sox ownership has attested that spending excess money doesn't directly correlate to success. The Blue Jays have proven them right.