As Major League Baseball approaches the quarter mark of the 2026 season, it’s time to separate the contenders from the pretenders. Over the next week, we’ll dive into each division and pose the same question: Is this team for real, or will they fade away?
Let’s start with the American League East and the Boston Red Sox.
**Boston Red Sox**
**Record:** 17-23
**Biggest Surprise:** The firing of manager Alex Cora
**MVP:** Wilyer Abreu
No player on Boston’s roster has been as consistent as Abreu. Through the early part of the season, he’s slashing .295/.377/.473 with six home runs and 18 RBIs. Other names like Willson Contreras, Aroldis Chapman, and Connelly Early have had their moments, but none have matched Abreu’s steady production.
**One Sentence:**
Boston’s season has been defined by offensive struggles and injuries, making for a disjointed start. Arguably, this club can—and should—be much better. But through a quarter of the year, the results simply aren’t there.
**Legit or Fraud?**
Right now, it’s looking like a fraud.
*More MLB: The 2026 Boston Red Sox Will Shock the MLB World*