Fansided

Each MLB team’s season success or failure?

By Nathaniel Reeves

Nov 1, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Kansas City Royals center fielder Jarrod Dyson shows off the Commissioners Trophy to fans after defeating the New York Mets in game five of the World Series at Citi Field. The Royals win the World Series four games to one. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Kansas City Royals center fielder Jarrod Dyson shows off the Commissioners Trophy to fans after defeating the New York Mets in game five of the World Series at Citi Field. The Royals win the World Series four games to one. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Boston Red Sox

Apr 29, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Hanley Ramirez (13) hits a two run home run off Toronto Blue Jays pitcher R.A. Dickey (not pictured) during the third inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Hanley Ramirez (13) hits a two run home run off Toronto Blue Jays pitcher R.A. Dickey (not pictured) during the third inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

78-84, 5th in AL East

Following a last place finish in 2014, the Red Sox did enough in the offseason to look like major contenders and open the season as the AL pennant favorite. Nothing went according to plan for Boston in 2015, as the Red Sox fell out of contention early and were forced to make some changes in the front office.

Several high-priced offseason moves were supposed to help the Red Sox bounce back quickly, particularly adding free agents Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez. Both hit well below their career averages and combined for a miserable -3.8 WAR according to FanGraphs. Ramirez’ $88 million contract is going to be a roadblock in particular, as he can’t play any position well and could end up blocking some good young players.

The pitching staff wasn’t supposed to be great, but struggled more than most anticipated. Rick Porcello regressed heavily in his first year with Boston, while Joe Kelly was terrible for the first few months before a late eight-game winning streak.

There is some good news, as Boston is still loaded with young talent and played much better down the stretch. Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts were excellent in 2015 and both are just 23 years old.

Expect the Red Sox to again be among the preseason favorites in 2016, with Dave Dombrowski and a new front office leading the way this time. The sooner Boston can forget about 2015, the better.

Failure. The future is still bright, but so much more was expected of this team.

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