After winning four World Series titles from 2004-2018, the Boston Red Sox have struggled to compete in the American League East, finishing in last place in three of the last four seasons. According to star Rafael Devers, it’s easy to identify the issue. Fixing the issue? That’s more complicated.
The team has taken a downturn since winning the World Series in 2018. Boston went 84-78 in 2019, missing the playoffs. While the Red Sox went 92-70 and reached the ALCS in 2021, they went 24-36 in the COVID-shortened 2020 season and have gone 78-84 in each of the last two seasons.
On Tuesday, Devers was asked how the team can be more competitive. Through a translator, he offered a blunt answer.
“Everybody knows what we need,” he said. “You know what we need. And they know what we need. It’s just some things that I can’t say out loud but everybody that knows our organization and knows the game knows what we need.”
Simply could not have been a more embarrassing offseason for Red Sox ownership pic.twitter.com/sUor67aDVE
— Red Sox Stats (@redsoxstats) February 20, 2024
Devers also confirmed that he’s had these conversations with people in the organization.
His comments drew a lot of public support, with people joining his criticism of the team.
Everyone is having a blast https://t.co/FApzOSBrUA
— Céad Míle Fáilte (@ColeyMick) February 20, 2024
Rafael Devers has never exactly been a flamethrower when it comes to public comments.
Coming from him, this would be the equivalent of a nuclear strike. https://t.co/cVhkIFTo75
— Bill Koch (@BillKoch25) February 20, 2024
Shame that he can't say what we already have said. I appreciate he's a company guy. I don't appreciate what his company says to its' customers and fans. Neither should you. #RedSox https://t.co/Orp3G32iTd
— John Rooke 🎙️📻 (@JRbroadcaster) February 20, 2024
Good for Raffy to not shy away from acknowledging the same frustrations the fans see. Everyone wants action except ownership. https://t.co/kTKWn1GHU2
— Justin (@JustinMLB) February 20, 2024
One of the most embarrassing clips in recent memory for the Red Sox.
Your franchise player, Rafael Devers, saying everyone knows what this team needs to compete.
Shameful.
— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) February 20, 2024
While there may be specific elements of the team that Devers would like to see improved, the Red Sox in general have lagged in spending in recent years. The team’s payroll in 2023 was 13th in the league while it’s presently 11th in 2024. Devers, meanwhile, is signed through the 2033 season. So, if there’s not a change in the team’s spending habits, his frustration is only likely to grow.
[Red Sox Stats on Twitter/X]
