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Boston Red Sox Offense Has Very Predictable Problem
TL;DR
The Boston Red Sox are struggling offensively, sitting at 7-11 and last in the AL East. They lack a power hitter, with only 12 home runs so far this season, ranking them 29th in MLB.
Key points
- Boston Red Sox are 7-11 and last in the AL East
- Team lacks a power bat after Rafael Devers' trade
- Only 12 home runs hit so far, ranking 29th in MLB
- Slugging percentage of .355 ranks 24th in baseball
- Alex Cora believes someone will hit 20 home runs
Boston Red SoxSan Francisco GiantsRafael Devers
Boston Red Sox Offense Has Very Predictable Problem
It has been a roller coaster of a season for the Boston Red Sox, who sit at 7-11 and in last place in the American League East entering play on Thursday. Through the first three weeks of the year, the team has looked like it needs absolutely everything to go right for them to win games; the starter needs to work deep into the game, the offense needs to limit strikeouts and get on base, and the bullpen needs to be completely shut down. Thus far, that has happened just seven times. The most glaring part of the Red Sox' need to be perfect to win is their lack of a power bat, a hole still left unfilled after the trade of Rafael Devers, and a problem that nearly everyone saw coming.
Entering the 2026 season, the Red Sox were the only team in Major League Baseball not to have a single batter projected to hit 20 or more home runs by ZIPS: a notion that Red Sox manager Alex Cora brushed off numerous times in the lead-up to the season, telling MassLive's Christopher Smith, "I really believe somebody’s going to hit 20 home runs for the Red Sox.”
Through these 18 games, the Red Sox' 12 home runs have them ranked 29th in baseball. Ironically, the only team behind them is Devers' San Francisco Giants, who have hit just nine. While their slugging percentage of .355 has them ranked 24th.
The lack of pop has been a problem for Boston since Devers was traded. Since the deal was made on June 15, 2025, the Red Sox have played 107 regular-season games, hitting just 109 home runs, the fifth-fewest in the span.
The Red Sox lack of power only decreases the margin for error that the team plays with seemingly every night. Without a true thumper in the heart of the lineup, there is no 'bail-out' home run to save the day on a night where the rest of the offense clearly doesn't have it.
That was something that was on full display in Boston's 3-2 loss to the on March 29. Despite the Reds going just 2-for-8 with runners in scoring position, a two-run blast from was enough to lift to a victory.
Q&A
Why are the Boston Red Sox struggling offensively in 2026?
The Red Sox are struggling due to a lack of power hitters, needing everything to go right to win games.
How many home runs have the Boston Red Sox hit this season?
The Red Sox have hit only 12 home runs this season, ranking them 29th in Major League Baseball.
What did Alex Cora say about the Red Sox's home run potential?
Alex Cora expressed confidence that someone on the team would hit 20 home runs, despite the team's current struggles.
Which team is currently last in home runs behind the Red Sox?
The San Francisco Giants are currently last in home runs, having hit only nine this season.
