Upon the close of 2023, it’s safe to predict that the year will go down in Red Sox annals like 2013 or 2018. Rather, it’s in the trash with unmemorable seasons like 2020 and 2015.
However, a few of those usually unremarkable, unsatisfactory campaigns did well in the future; will 2023 be one of those pivotal years?
The most significant storyline of 2023 occurred in September when Chaim Bloom was fired by the Red Sox following two straight postseason failures and matching 78-84 seasons. Though the big league product faltered, Bloom’s contribution to Boston’s return to one of the league’s top farm systems was generally acknowledged by the baseball community.
It is hardly necessary to remind anyone of Bloom’s three dismal last-place finishes in four years, but under new chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, the Red Sox have not significantly improved their roster.
The Red Sox kept things interesting in 2023 despite their struggles with injuries and inconsistent play, as they remained in contention for the wild card as late as mid-August. This provides some hope for the future as we take a look back at what led them to be in such a difficult situation and explain why they managed to survive for a long.