The Boston Red Sox have a problem at home, and it's threatening to derail their season before it truly gets going.
After celebrating the 125th anniversary of their first-ever home game on Friday night—a nostalgic night that brought together all living Red Sox alumni with retired numbers for ceremonial first pitches—the team was reminded of just how far their current squad has to go. Fenway Park, baseball's oldest ballpark and a venue where Boston has historically owned a .567 winning percentage (the equivalent of a 92-win season), has become a house of horrors in 2026.
The numbers are ugly. Through 18 home games, the Red Sox are just 7-11 at "The Fens." According to the Boston Globe, Boston ranks 26th in MLB in home batting average (.222) and home on-base percentage (.302). They're 28th in runs per game at home (3.1) and dead last in home slugging percentage (.320). For context, when they leave the Back Bay, those numbers jump to a .247/.326/.378 slash line with 20 home runs. Not elite, but considerably better.
This offensive inconsistency at home is puzzling, especially given the roster decisions made in the offseason. When the Red Sox failed to re-sign third baseman Alex Bregman and passed on first baseman Pete Alonso (who, ironically, is now the New York Mets' all-time home run leader), they placed their bets on health and potential. They hoped shortstop Trevor Story could stay healthy and replicate his 25-homer season from last year—a level he's reached six times in his career. They traded for first baseman Willson Contreras, who hit 20 dingers last year and has cleared that threshold six times in his first ten big league seasons.
But all eyes were on rookie sensation Roman Anthony, who many pegged as the next Ted Williams. Through nearly a quarter of the season, the results have been mixed at best. Story has just two home runs—both on the road. Contreras has a respectable eight dingers, putting him on pace for about 35, but he can't carry the lineup alone.
The bottom line is simple: if the Red Sox want to contend in a tough AL East, they need to rediscover their home-field advantage. Fenway Park has always been a hitter's haven, with its famous Green Monster and quirky dimensions. But this year, the bats have gone quiet when it matters most. The pitching has been solid, but without run support, even the best arms can only do so much.
For a team with championship aspirations, the message is clear: start hitting at home, or watch the season slip away. The Red Sox faithful deserve better than a .222 average in the ballpark where legends were made. It's time for this lineup to wake up and remind everyone why Fenway is one of the most feared places to play in all of baseball.