The Boston Red Sox’ 2018 championship roster revolved around one player. Young. Charming. Handsome. Arguably the best player in the game for that season, if not that decade. Now, that player is in Los Angeles, and the Red Sox no longer have a championship roster. They stink. They miss that player. They miss the energy he brought, the joy he brought, and—most importantly—the wins he brought.
Yes, since the Red Sox let Joe Kelly walk following the 2018 season, it’s been a rapid descent to the grave. Without the lynchpin around which their pitching staff revolved, they cannot get outs. Without the enforcer who kept all teammates safe, their clubhouse is a fearful mess. Without the flamethrowing right-hander who threw flames, their catchers’ hands are less sore, but also the hands of losers.
The lesson is clear. When you have MVP-caliber talent, you hold onto it. You pay it what its worth. Maybe next generation the Red Sox will learn.
