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5 biggest mistakes that doomed the Red Sox in 2022 and why

By Miranda Remaklus

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 26: Bobby Dalbec #29 of the Boston Red Sox runs towards first base during the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park on August 26, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 26: Bobby Dalbec #29 of the Boston Red Sox runs towards first base during the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park on August 26, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Bobby Dalbec, Boston Red Sox
Bobby Dalbec of the Boston Red Sox (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

The Boston Red Sox had a disappointing 2022 season that stunned fans and the baseball world. The team made a lot of head-scratching decisions and couldn’t survive them.

The Boston Red Sox committed the most epic of fails in 2022.

With a final regular season record of 78-84, the Red Sox had their first losing record since 2015. A string of devastating injuries, a lack of big-name production, and bad luck all contributed to the Red Sox’s poor season. Those weren’t the only things that contributed, though.

Let’s take a look at some of the other big problems.

Red Sox did not prioritize production out of the first base position

For much of the season, the Red Sox depended on Bobby Dalbec to play first base. That proved more frustrating than anything. Dalbec hit .215/.298/.369 with an OPS of .754, nine doubles, two triples, 12 home runs, 39 RBI, and 40 runs scored. While these are not great numbers, it was only compounded by 118 strikeouts at the plate. This is not what you want from a position where you expect a high production rate.

The Red Sox acquired Eric Hosmer at the trade deadline from San Diego Padres in hopes of boosting production. In his 14 games, he hit .244/.320/.311 with an OPS of .631. He had three doubles, six runs, and four RBI.

Hosmer has three years remaining on his eight-year contract worth $144 million. He’s expected to average $13 million over those final three years. For that money, you need more production. Hosmer will be 33 next season. It will be interesting to see if Hosmer is someone the Red Sox may trade for more production.

The Red Sox also used system prospects Triston Casas, Christian Arroyo, Yu Chang, and Franchy Cordero. Casas was at the top of the first base depth chart at the end of the season.

In 27 games, Casas hit .197/.358/.408 with an OPS of .766. He had a double, five home runs, 11 runs, and 12 RBI. Casas had 176 put-outs and eight assists and helped turn 17 double plays with one error. Casas may need more development, but how the Red Sox use him moving forward is something to watch.

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