The 2026 MLB season is underway, and for the Boston Red Sox, the early narrative is one of unexpected struggle. Despite entering the year with playoff aspirations, the Sox find themselves in a familiar, uncomfortable position: tied for last in the ultra-competitive AL East with a 7-11 record.

This sluggish start has not gone unnoticed. In a recent analysis for The Athletic, Chad Jennings listed Boston among the league's biggest early "underachievers," highlighting the gap between their preseason projections and their current win percentage. While a recent 9-5 victory over the Twins provided a boost, the underlying issues remain clear.

The problems are twofold. Offensively, the lineup has lacked its characteristic punch, hitting a league-worst 12 home runs. Aside from hot starts from Wilyer Abreu and Willson Contreras, consistent power has been absent. On the other side of the ball, an offseason emphasis on run prevention has yet to solidify, with the team's 4.55 ERA ranking 25th and defensive miscues piling up.

Yet, there are flickers of hope. The club has begun to inch in the right direction, winning five of their last eight games. As Jennings pointed out, they've at least stabilized while other teams, like the free-falling Mets, have continued to slide.

The schedule offers no respite, however. After a series with Detroit, Boston faces a critical nine-game stretch against divisional rivals to close April. How they navigate this gauntlet will tell us much more about whether this is a temporary stumble or a sign of deeper troubles at Fenway.