The Boston Red Sox’s 2025 defensive overhaul has unraveled spectacularly, culminating in a five-error debacle during Friday’s 11-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox – their worst defensive performance since August 2021. Manager Alex Cora minced no words postgame, labeling the display “horrible” as the team’s league-leading 19 errors through 15 games mark their shakiest start since 1996.
Game Breakdown
Facing a White Sox squad mired in an eight-game skid, Boston’s defense imploded:
Catcher Blake Sabol committed two catcher’s interference calls in his first MLB start.
Triston Casas sparked a four-run fourth inning with a throwing error at first base.
Three additional miscues contributed to Chicago’s largest margin of victory this season.
The loss dropped Boston to 8-9, amplifying concerns about their viability in the AL East.
Season-Long Struggles
Despite projections of a 22-run defensive improvement, the Red Sox have regressed:
Infield instability: Trevor Story’s health remains uncertain, while offseason addition Alex Bregman adjusts to second base.
Framing woes: Catchers rank among MLB’s worst in pitch presentation.
Cold-weather collapses: Errors spiked during recent frigid home games.
Hall of Famer Jim Rice lambasted the team’s fundamentals, stating, “You can’t win like this – it’s Little League stuff”.
Contrasting Projections
While preseason models highlighted potential upgrades through Adames-like defenders, reality has diverged sharply:
Ceddanne Rafaela, a projected defensive anchor in center field, hasn’t offset infield liabilities.
David Hamilton continues to struggle at shortstop in limited appearances.
Team defense now threatens to undermine a pitching staff with a 4.12 ERA.
Path Forward
Cora faces mounting pressure to stabilize a roster that:
Lacks defensive specialists beyond Rafaela.
Carries multiple negative-WAR defenders at key positions.
Relies on offensive production (Triston Casas’ .850 OPS) to offset defensive lapses.
With playoff odds plummeting to 12.1%, Boston must address these issues urgently to avoid another last-place finish in the AL East. The Red Sox host Chicago again Saturday night at Fenway Park.
