Red Sox Struggle as June Approaches: Key Decisions Loom

BOSTON, Mass. — The Boston Red Sox entered the 2025 season with high hopes, fueled by significant offseason investments. After three disappointing seasons, the team brought in players like Garrett Crochet and Alex Bregman, hoping to contend for the AL East title and possibly the World Series. However, the dream is fading fast.

As of June 1, the Red Sox sit at 28-31, having posted an unimpressive 11-16 record in May. Injuries and lack of performance have left the team scrambling. This month, they will embark on a crucial stretch of 15 consecutive games against teams currently above .500, all while missing Bregman, their top player.

“We need to find a way to turn this around,” said Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow. “If we can’t, tough decisions will have to be made.”

The starting rotation is a primary area of concern. Walker Buehler and Lucas Giolito are pending free agents, and both have shown flashes of potential this season. Their performances in the coming months could impact their trade value, with Buehler in particular likely to attract interest from playoff contenders.

Should Boston choose to trade either pitcher, it would allow them to maintain a solid rotation for the future. Currently, Crochet, Brayan Bello, Tanner Houck, Richard Fitts, and Hunter Dobbins are all under team control.

Along with the rotation, the bullpen could also be a focus for trades. Veteran Aroldis Chapman has been a strong addition and might attract significant attention on the market. “He’s still one of the hardest throwers in the league,” Breslow noted.

However, the position player situation is complicated. Most everyday players are signed for a few more years, and the Red Sox will face tough decisions regarding underperforming veterans. One option being considered is promoting top prospect Roman Anthony, who has excelled in Triple-A.

“It’s time to see what he can do at the next level,” said a source within the organization. “He’s shown he’s ready.”

To integrate Anthony, the Red Sox may need to make shifts within the lineup, potentially moving Trevor Story off shortstop. Story’s performance has declined, and if he continues to struggle, the club might have to consider designating him for assignment, which carries financial implications.

As the trade deadline creeps closer, the Red Sox may look to consolidate their roster similarly to a past trade that involved sending players to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2012. Now facing a similar predicament, Breslow could package Story and other players for significant returns.

“It’s about building for the future,” he remarked. “If something doesn’t change, we’ll have to make hard choices.”

The upcoming weeks will be pivotal for the Red Sox as they navigate a potential crossroads for their season.