How Red Sox Players Reacted To Upcoming Series Vs. Yankees

The next chapter in the best rivalry in sports is on the horizon. On Tuesday, the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees begin a three-game series with a trip to the Divisional Round on the line.

With the American League East, as well as seeding, on the line on Sunday, the Red Sox didn’t know who their first-round opponent would be until after the regular season concluded. The Toronto Blue Jays beat the Tampa Bay Rays to win the division, setting up a meeting of two bitter rivals.

Garrett Crochet will start game one for the Red Sox. He’s been excellent against New York this season and is looking forward to the atmosphere.

“I would’ve been juiced regardless of who we are playing,” Crochet said. “I’m sure that the environment will have that borderline toxicity feel to it that you’ve come to experience throughout the season when you go there.”

His battery mate, Carlos Narvaez, was acquired in a trade with the Yankees this winter. He hit .270 with three home runs against New York this season. His .978 OPS against them was among his best against any opponent.

“It’s gonna be a good one,” Narvaez said. “We always face the Yankees; we know the history behind it, but at this time of the year, we know we’re gonna compete. It’s gonna be fun.”

Red Sox manager Alex Cora has been involved in the rivalry as both a player and a manager. As a player, he never played in a postseason game against the Yankees, but he eliminated New York as a manager in 2018 and 2021.

“It’s New York against Boston,” Cora said. “It’s going to be big.”