The Red sox, who advanced to the playoffs for the first time since 2021 this season, will certainly bring a dynamic cast of offensive characters into New York for the wild card round.
The Boston Red Sox punched their ticket to the playoffs for the first time since 2021 on Friday night with a walk-off win over the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park.
They'll be looking for their first World Series win since 2018 when they begin the wild card round on Tuesday night at the New York Yankees. It's a best-of-three series with all three potential games being played at Yankee Stadium. Boston was 9-4 against New York in 2025.
And while the Yankees are certainly formidable, with a pair of ace lefties and the most homers in baseball up their sleeves, the Red Sox bring a dynamic group in the matchup as well.
Per @SoxNotes on social media:
The 2025 Red Sox are only the 11th team ever to feature 3 players with 15+ HR and 20+ steals (Story, Rafaela, Duran).
2025 BOS
2025 CHC
2023 TB
2009 PHI
2001 NYY
1999 HOU
1996 HOU
1995 CIN
1993 TOR
1988 NYM
1985 TOR
Story's bounce back season
Signed to a six-year deal before the 2022 campaign, Story spent most of the first three years of his deal on the injured list. However, this year, he was healthy and played closer to the level he previously did in Colorado. He hit .263 with 25 home runs, 96 RBIs and 31 stolen bases. He was caught only one time, also playing solid defense at shortstop.
A 10-year veteran, he has an opt-out in his contract after the season concludes. It's unclear at this point if he will take it and head back into the free agent market.
Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story (10) hits a single against the Toronto Blue Jays in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Dan Hamilton-Imagn ImagesDuran's productive campaign
The 29-year-old's year wasn't as loud as 2024, when he won the All-Star Game MVP, but he still found a way to impact the game on multiple fronts. A .256 hitter with 16 home runs, he had 84 RBIs and 24 stolen bases.
A five-year veteran of the Red Sox, he's under team control through 2028. There are rumors about the Red Sox trading him in the offseason, but his productivity would be hard to replace if they did.
He led the American League in triples with 13.
Rafalea's breakout
An outstanding defender, Rafaela was inconsistent offensively, especially in the second half. But when he's on, he's a huge boon to Alex Cora's lineup.
Still just 25, he hit .249 with a .295 on-base percentage. He had 16 home runs, 20 stolen bases and 63 RBIs.
He's under contract through 2031 after signing a long-term deal before the 2024 campaign. He joins Kristian Campbell, Brayan Bello and Roman Anthony has players to sign pre-arbitration deals with Boston.
Boston Red Sox centerfielder Ceddanne Rafaela (3) hits the ball against the Detroit Tigers during the ninth inning at Fenway Park. Eric Canha-Imagn ImagesWild card info
All the information currently available on the series with the Yankees can be found here.
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