Where Red Sox Rank Among MLB’s Top Teams Of Last 25 Years originally appeared on NESN.
Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Few teams have flourished more than the Boston Red Sox during the 21st century.
The Red Sox made up for an 86-year World Series drought by capturing championships in 2004, 2007, 2013 and 2018. They’ve made the playoffs 12 times in the last 25 years, placing them among MLB’s most successful clubs in that timeframe.
The Athletic’s Stephen J. Nesbitt ranked the best MLB franchises of the past 25 years using a rubric that awards points based on how far a team lasts in the postseason. Boston placed fourth with 59 points.
Following back-to-back World Series wins, the Los Angeles Dodgers (83) hold the top spot over the New York Yankees (75) and St. Louis Cardinals (64). The Red Sox tallied one more point than the Houston Astros, who snapped an eight-year playoff streak last season.
Boston maintained top-five standing despite making only two playoff appearances since its 2018 World Series triumph. Yet the Red Sox could play more October baseball following an encouraging 89-win campaign if a young group progresses alongside offseason additions.
“Coming off a 2025 wild-card berth, the Red Sox lost Alex Bregman but gained Willson Contreras and three starters: Ranger Suarez, Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo,” Nesbitt wrote. “Contreras brings a veteran anchor to a lineup teeming with young talent, from 21-year-old Roman Anthony, who is emerging as a star, to Ceddanne Rafaela and Caleb Durbin. If Marcelo Mayer produces and Kristian Campbell rebuilds his swing, Boston could make some real noise this season.”
On the flip side, the Pittsburgh Pirates finished last with minus-4 points, receiving a deduction for each 90-loss season. The American League East’s Baltimore Orioles will attempt to climb from 29th after an injury-marred 2025 halted their momentum from consecutive playoff bids.
More MLB: Red Sox Pitcher Reportedly Underwent Season-Ending Elbow Surgery