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Why 2026 Red Sox Are Complete Anamoly Compared To Previous Seasons originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
For most of the 21st century -- and most of their existence, really -- the Boston Red Sox have usually followed a similar template. More often than not, they've been built around superstars, potent lineups with power and patience, and winning at Fenway Park, sometimes at the expense of their pitching and defense.
Under former MLB pitcher Craig Breslow, the 2026 Red Sox look completely different. They're built around elite pitching and defense, but their offense lacks pop and plate discipline. They're also short on star power after parting ways with most of their big-name players over the past decade.
On top of that, they've been terrible at Fenway Park this year, which is very unusual for them.
Last year, Boston was one of the best home teams in baseball, going 48-33 en route to a playoff berth. This year, the Red Sox have been much better on the road than at home, going just 6-11 with a minus-16 run differential at Fenway.
That's a big reason why Boston, which has lost eight of its last 10 home games, is 16-22 entering play on Friday.
The Red Sox offense has really struggled at Fenway this year, averaging just 3.12 runs per game there compared to 4.76 on the road. They also have MLB's lowest slugging percentage and wRC+ at home.
Part of that is likely due to small sample size noise, random variance, spring weather, and Boston's tough home schedule so far against good pitching staffs. However, it's also clear that the team's lineup is not designed to take advantage of Fenway Park with its lack of thump and quality right-handed bats.
Playing well at Fenway Park is typically the key to any Red Sox season. Thriving at home and going .500 on the road has usually been a recipe for success, so if Boston wants to turn its season around, winning at Fenway is a good place to start.
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