Sam Kennedy, the team’s president and CEO, has stated that internal changes are required as the Boston Red Sox approach a pivotal point in their 2025 season. During an appearance on The Greg Hill Show on WEEI, Kennedy discussed what he saw as a “systemic” problem affecting the team – defensive basics — with Boston sitting at 43-45 after 88 games, as reported by Chris Mason of MassLive.
Kennedy’s remarks coincide with the Red Sox’s defensive woes, which have emerged as the season’s central storyline. With 72 total mistakes, Boston is presently second only to the Colorado Rockies, who are 19-67, in Major League Baseball. With 49 unearned runs allowed, the team also leads the American League in this category.
In an interview with hosts, Kennedy directly addressed the problem.
Kennedy stated, “It has long been a systemic issue.”
And we’re responsible for that. Everyone in the company is responsible for that. Making basic errors while competing at the Major League level is unacceptable. You will run into problems if you give out in the major leagues like that.
He continued by underscoring the necessity of universal progress.
We are all responsible for it. Since we are a team, we must improve in every facet of the game. Particularly the basics. You can’t expect to win baseball games by giving out outs, really. No, not in the Major Leagues. It simply isn’t effective.
Given the talent on the roster, the CEO’s remarks struck a chord with the fan base’s mounting displeasure. It is expected of players like Alex Bregman, Trevor Story, and Jarren Duran to lead a competitive squad and avoid giving up additional outs on simple plays.
There is more to Boston’s fielding problems than just stats. They have a direct effect on outcomes. The blunders are costing the club games, with 72 errors and 49 unearned runs conceded. Without major changes, the Red Sox’s season is in grave danger of slipping away.
Boston has made 289 mistakes since the 2023 season began, more than any other Major League Baseball team, including rebuilding teams like the Miami Marlins and Rockies. In a hotly competitive AL East, these defensive errors have resulted in squandered opportunities and lost games.
The answers are still unknown. The organization could spend money on internal coaching and development or recruit defensive specialists during the trade deadline. One thing is for sure, though: the Red Sox cannot afford to keep going in this direction without facing repercussions.
The entire organization bears responsibility, as Kennedy stated, and their response could determine how the Red Sox play the rest of the season.