Betts and Sale Reflect on 2018 Red Sox Glory

BOSTON, Massachusetts — Mookie Betts and Chris Sale, both now enjoying success with the Dodgers and Braves, respectively, reminisced about their championship-winning season with the Boston Red Sox in 2018.

Betts shared his fond memories during a recent conversation with Sale, recalling the team’s positive atmosphere. “Every day was like, ‘we’re gonna win,’” he said. “We just came and beat the brakes off ’em and went home.” He noted the team’s camaraderie, especially how manager Alex Cora fostered a relaxed clubhouse environment.

The 2018 Red Sox, which achieved an impressive 108 wins, were the first Boston team to surpass 100 wins in a season since 1946. They started the season strong, boasting a 21-7 record in March and April, firmly establishing themselves as a dominant force in the AL East.

Betts played a pivotal role that season, earning AL MVP honors with a .346 batting average, 32 home runs, and 129 runs scored. The roster also included standout free-agent acquisition J.D. Martinez, who hit .330 with 43 home runs and 130 RBIs, along with key players like Xander Bogaerts and Jackie Bradley Jr.

On the mound, Sale led the pitching staff with a 12-4 record and a 2.11 ERA, supported by notable pitchers like David Price and Nathan Eovaldi. Sale acknowledged the team’s resilience under pressure, stating, “There was really no panic at all… there were points where you’re like, ‘Man, we’re the nastiest team in the league.’”

While the Red Sox have not replicated their 2018 success, Betts has secured two more championships with the Dodgers, and Sale captured the NL Cy Young Award in 2024 with the Braves.