The Boston Red Sox’s 2025 season has become a rollercoaster of highs and lows, with their current standings reflecting growing frustrations. Once considered playoff contenders, Boston now trails behind the dominant Milwaukee Brewers, sparking concerns about their competitive future.
Following the controversial trade of Rafael Devers, the Red Sox have struggled to maintain consistency, dropping 11 of their last 17 games. Their inability to secure impactful pitching at the deadline has left them fighting an uphill battle in a stacked AL East. With rising stars like Roman Anthony showing promise, can Boston rebound in time for a postseason push?
- The Boston Red Sox are struggling in the 2025 season, with 11 losses in their last 17 games, dropping them in MLB power rankings.
- After trading Rafael Devers, the team’s inconsistency has raised questions about their playoff chances, despite being just 4 games back in the Wild Card race.
- Rookie Roman Anthony emerges as a bright spot with a .302/.385/.511 slash line, drawing comparisons to young Yordan Alvarez.
- Boston’s reluctance to trade for pitching help (like Joe Ryan) and roster imbalances (5 OFs competing for time) hinder their playoff push.
- The Milwaukee Brewers dominate the league with a 68-40 record, setting a high bar for Boston to match in the season’s final stretch.
Red Sox 2025 Standings: A Season of Struggle Amid Brewers’ Dominance
The Boston Red Sox’s 2025 campaign has been a rollercoaster, with the team currently sitting at 62-46 and struggling to keep pace with the powerhouse Milwaukee Brewers (68-40) in the MLB standings. The controversial offseason trade of franchise cornerstone Rafael Devers continues to haunt Boston, creating instability in both the lineup and clubhouse culture.
Key factors in Boston’s inconsistent performance:
- 11 losses in their last 17 games against division rivals
- Rotation ERA of 3.76 (12th in MLB)
- Defensive struggles (-5 DRS from shortstop position)

AL East Picture: An Uphill Battle
Boston trails Baltimore by 5.5 games in the division, with three teams separating them from the final Wild Card spot. Their remaining schedule includes:
| Opponent Type | Games Remaining | Current Record Vs |
|---|---|---|
| Sub-.500 Teams | 18 | 23-12 |
| Division Rivals | 7 | 9-13 |
| Playoff Contenders | 14 | 16-16 |
Roman Anthony Emergence: The Silver Lining


The 21-year-old outfielder has been Boston’s brightest spot, slashing .302/.385/.511 through 50 games while drawing comparisons to young Yordan Alvarez. Anthony’s plate discipline (4.1 pitches per PA) suggests sustainable success.
Statcast highlights:
- 92nd percentile in chase rate
- 88th percentile in xwOBA
- 95th percentile in arm strength



Trade Deadline Decisions: Missed Opportunities?
Boston’s conservative approach at the deadline stands in stark contrast to Milwaukee’s aggressive moves. While the Brewers added bullpen depth and a veteran bat, the Red Sox failed to address:
- Starting pitching depth (ranked 12th in rotation ERA)
- Outfield logjam (5 players competing for playing time)
- Infield defense (league-worst -15 DRS at shortstop)
The Joe Ryan What-If
Minnesota reportedly offered the 28-year-old righty (2.98 ERA) for two top-15 prospects. Boston’s hesitation may prove costly given their rotation questions.



Ceddanne Rafaela’s Defensive Experiment


The Gold Glove outfielder’s transition to shortstop (-5 DRS) exemplifies Boston’s defensive struggles. With Trevor Story’s health uncertain, Rafaela must adapt quickly.
Defensive metrics comparison:
- Outfield DRS (2024): +14
- Shortstop DRS (2025): -5
- League-average SS DRS: +3
Path Forward: Can Boston Catch Milwaukee?
The Brewers’ dominance seems insurmountable, but Boston’s remaining schedule offers hope. Key series against Baltimore (7 games) and Minnesota (4 games) will determine their fate.



September Keys to Contention
- Roman Anthony maintaining Rookie of the Year pace
- Garrett Crochet replicating his July dominance (1.89 ERA)
- Defensive stabilization up the middle


Final Verdict: Playoffs or Bust?
With 54 games remaining, Boston faces a defining stretch. Their +72 run differential suggests underlying strength, but Milwaukee’s consistency sets a daunting standard.
Critical factors down the stretch:
| Area | Current Rank | Playoff Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Bullpen ERA | 8th | Top 5 Needed |
| Team OPS | 14th | Top 8 Needed |
| Defensive Efficiency | 22nd | Top 15 Needed |




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