The Boston Red Sox embarked on their 2024 season with a promising start, finishing a 10-game West Coast road trip with a record of 7-3. This early success is a notable improvement for a team that has struggled in recent years, demonstrating significant strides in their pitching performance that suggests a potential turnaround for the franchise.
Record-Setting Pitching
The Red Sox's pitchers have been in exceptional form, limiting opponents to two runs or fewer in six out of the ten games. This achievement has set a new franchise record for ERA (Earned Run Average) at the start of the season, signaling a strong departure from the team's recent performances. Last season, the team concluded with a disappointing 78-84 record, ranking in the bottom tier of the league for the third time in four years. Their pitching was a particular area of concern, finishing 21st in ERA last season and 25th the year before, with ERA+ rankings of 19th and 24th respectively.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite these challenges, the team has faced significant hurdles, including the loss of Lucas Giolito for the entire season due to elbow surgery. Efforts to bolster the pitching staff during spring training took a hit when an attempt to sign pitcher Jordan Montgomery fell through. Nonetheless, the Red Sox have demonstrated resilience and an ability to adapt. A critical part of this adaptation came in the form of organizational changes, with Craig Breslow being appointed as the chief baseball officer, taking over from Chaim Bloom. Additionally, Andrew Bailey was brought in as the new pitching coach, replacing Dave Bush. These changes suggest a strategic shift in the team's approach, particularly in pitching.
A New Approach to Pitching
Indeed, about 90% of the innings thrown during the trip were by pitchers who were with the team in 2023, indicating a move away from reliance on fastballs. The team's early success on the road has validated this less fastball-centric approach, especially considering they faced three offensively weaker teams in pitcher-friendly ballparks.
"Pitching-wise, we're different. Everybody knows it," Manager Alex Cora remarked, highlighting the shift in strategy. The hiring of Bailey as pitching coach, reflecting his shared vision with Breslow from their playing days, has evidently made an immediate impact. Under their guidance, the Red Sox have adopted a strategy that reduces reliance on fastballs, a move that appears to be paying dividends.
Looking Ahead
The early success of the Boston Red Sox in the 2024 season raises hopes for a team seeking to rebound from a series of underwhelming campaigns. While it's still early, the signs are promising for a franchise eager to return to competitiveness. The strategic shift in their pitching approach, combined with organizational changes, suggests the Red Sox are poised for improvement. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see if they can maintain their strong start and translate it into sustained success. The team's ability to overcome adversity, adjust strategies, and rely on a cohesive unit of pitchers who have grown within the system, sets a compelling narrative for the 2024 season. As Cora succinctly puts it, the Red Sox are pitching differently this year, and everyone is starting to take notice.