Red Sox Struggle Deepens After Devers Trade Amid AL East Slide

The Boston Red Sox have struggled significantly since trading star hitter Rafael Devers, dropping from a five-game winning streak to a five-game losing skid and falling below .500 with a 40-42 record. The offense has notably declined, averaging 3.1 runs per game post-trade, nearly two runs less than with Devers, and featuring the worst batting average and OPS in MLB during their recent road trip. Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow acknowledges the team's inconsistency across pitching, defense, hitting, and base running, emphasizing a need for daily consistency to stay competitive. Despite setbacks, Breslow remains optimistic about the team's postseason chances and suggests the organization may be active buyers at the trade deadline to improve the roster, especially given injuries to key players like Alex Bregman and Kutter Crawford. Analysts and insiders highlight potential trade targets and emphasize that prompt action is necessary for the Sox to turn their season around. The overall mood within the team is one of belief and hope, even as the Red Sox face mounting pressure to reverse their fortunes quickly.