MLB Analyst Predicts Encouraging Case Of Deja Vu For Red Sox

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So far, the 2026 season has started similarly to the 2025 season for the Boston Red Sox. Both teams got off to slow starts, suffered injuries to multiple key players and entered June with losing records.

The Red Sox didn't hit their stride until June, and really July, last year. While the arrival of Roman Anthony helped offset the loss of Rafael Devers offensively, Boston really took off on the mound midseason, especially in the rotation.

Lucas Giolito and Brayan Bello rounded into form behind Garrett Crochet, giving the Red Sox a legitimate top three. They also had a shutdown bullpen, giving them one of the best pitching staffs in baseball from late June onward.

Given how well Ranger Suarez, Sonny Gray, Payton Tolle and Connelly Early are throwing, Boston could see a similar pitching-fueled resurgence this summer, especially once Crochet comes back.

Baseball always finds a way to catch us off guard, and while this week’s Power Rankings reflect some of the surprises of the first two months, we’re taking this opportunity to make a few predictions about the next two months. pic.twitter.com/X3C1nX64I3

— The Athletic MLB (@TheAthleticMLB) May 26, 2026

"Garrett Crochet is about to face hitters again, meaning it shouldn’t be long before he returns to a Red Sox rotation that already has Ranger Suárez, Sonny Gray, Connelly Early and Payton Tolle with ERAs of 3.30 or better," Chad Jennings wrote in The Athletic's MLB power rankings on Wednesday (subscription required). "In the American League dumpster fire, that rotation alone could be enough to make the Red Sox playoff-relevant heading into the trade deadline."

To Jennings' point, Boston's pitching staff has been outstanding this year despite getting just six starts of a 6.30 ERA from Crochet, ranking tenth in ERA. If the reigning AL Cy Young runner-up comes back strong and the rest of the rotation stays healthy, the Red Sox could make another midseason push.

They still need to improve their offense, but at least their lineup has shown signs of progress lately. If that continues and they add another bat at the trade deadline, they should be able to stay competitive in a weak American League this year and perhaps return to the playoffs.

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