Red Sox Manager Pumps Brakes On Playoff Talks

The Boston Red Sox have their most wins since 2021 with 14 games remaining. In 2021, they won 92 games and earned a spot in the Wild Card game. To match that total, they would need to win 11 of their final 14 games.

The playoff format has changed since 2021, and one additional team qualifies for the playoffs, meaning it won’t take 92 wins to reach the postseason. The Detroit Tigers were the final American League team to earn a playoff spot with 86 wins last season.

As it stands, the Red Sox are one game ahead of the Seattle Mariners for the second Wild Card spot, and three ahead of the Texas Rangers for the final spot. Boston’s magic number to qualify for the playoffs is 11, while Fangraphs’ projections give them a 90.6% chance to make the playoffs.

Despite their standing, Red Sox manager Alex Cora isn’t taking anything for granted.

“I think we should stop talking about October, to be honest with you. There’s a lot of stuff going on and we have to play better. I’m not saying we’re in a bad spot but I think we have to wait to see if October is part of this,” Cora said.

The team isn’t without its flaws. The pitching staff is ravaged by injuries, leaving the team with three reliable starters. The offense has been quiet since Roman Anthony hit the injured list as well.

The schedule isn’t easy, either. After the series with the New York Yankees concludes, half of their remaining games are against division leaders, as well as series with the Athletics and Tampa Bay Rays.

A lot can happen in 14 games. The Red Sox need to play their way into the playoffs instead of hoping others play their way out.