Over the Monster
But Can He Pitch?
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As MLB free agency begins today, here’s a look at the 2026-2027 MLB Offseason Calendar
Free agency kicks off today at 5 p.m., ending the Red Sox’s exclusive negotiation window and opening the market. Only three 2026 Red Sox—Sonny Gray, Patrick Sandoval and Isiah Kiner‑Falefa—enter free agency, with Gray expected to reject his qualifying offer. The offseason calendar includes GM meetings in Las Vegas (Nov 9‑12), Rule 5 protection and qualifying‑offer deadlines (Nov 17), owners’ meetings (Nov 17‑19), and a non‑tender deadline (Nov 20) affecting a long list of arbitration‑eligible players such as Adley Rutschman and Jarren Duran. The collective bargaining agreement expires on Dec 1, triggering a likely lockout that could cancel the winter meetings, draft lottery, Rule 5 draft and even delay spring training.
Red Sox trio of Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu, Caleb Durbin take home Gold Gloves
Boston’s defensive trio—outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela, infielder Wilyer Abreu, and rookie Caleb Durbin—each earn a 2026 Gold Glove, with Durbin’s being his first and Rafaela’s and Abreu’s marking consecutive wins. Abreu’s three career Gold Gloves place him just five behind the Red Sox all‑time leader at his position (hint: the record holder shares his spot). The piece also previews the upcoming American League Platinum Glove, noting its fan‑vote system and the evolving credibility of Gold Glove voting since 2013.
The Moments that Made the 2026 Red Sox: Roman Anthony’s stunning, game-tying, table-setting slide into home
On August 30, 2026, both Roman Anthony and Trevor Story returned from long‑term injuries and sparked a 16‑1 loss to the Yankees with solid hits. The next night at Fenway, Anthony’s flawless slide into home tied the game against the Seattle Mariners, setting the stage for Story’s walk‑off single that gave Boston the win. The piece highlights Anthony’s triple, sacrifice‑fly run and his ballet‑like slide that out‑maneuvered Cal Raleigh, arguing it marked the turning point for a red‑hot Sox season as the duo went 4‑for‑8 in their first two games back.
The Moments that Made the 2026 Red Sox: The Jedixson Paez Game
On September 1, 2026, Boston Red Sox rookie Jedixson Paez was pulled after 3 2⁄3 innings as the Mariners built an 8‑1 lead, a loss that symbolized the Sox’s faltering September. Despite a strong early season – including a 32‑5 run‑scoring streak and a 37‑game run against the Yankees – the team entered the final month four games behind New York, needing a surge to clinch a home playoff spot for the first time since 2021. Paez’s line (3.2 IP, 10 H, 8 ER, 2 HR) highlighted the bullpen’s resilience, limiting the damage to a 9‑6 defeat. The article reflects on the game’s morale impact and Paez’s later redemption in a five‑inning relief win, framing the start as a microcosm of the Sox’s uneven September.
What is the spookiest moment in MLB History?
On Halloween 2017, Dodgers fans in costume filled Dodger Stadium for Game 6 of the World Series, sparking a nostalgic look at baseball’s creepiest moments. The post highlights Albert Belle’s 1995 trick‑or‑treat incident, his corked‑bat scandal, Randy Johnson’s accidental bird kill, a black cat disrupting a 1969 Cubs‑Mets game, and the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake that halted the A’s‑Giants World Series. It also recalls eerie Red Sox highlights like David Ortiz’s bullpen phone smash and Curt Schilling’s ‘Bloody Sock.’ The author asks readers to share their own spooky MLB memories.
Red Sox kick start offseason with two minor trades, dealing away Nate Eaton, Tsung-Che Cheng
The Red Sox begin trimming their roster ahead of free agency, trading utility outfielder Nate Eaton to the Oakland Athletics and infielder Tsung‑Che Cheng to the Detroit Tigers. Both moves satisfy a 40‑man roster rule requiring four cuts. Eaton, prized for speed and versatility, returns an 18‑year‑old Nicaraguan pitcher, Jareth Rayo, while Cheng, who made key defensive plays during Boston’s 15‑game win streak, brings cash back. The deals underscore Boston’s focus on shedding players with limited power and upside as they eye a 95‑win season.
As the MLB offseason gets underway, fans face an ocean of anger and uncertainty amidst looming lockout
The MLB offseason erupts into uncertainty as owners prepare a lockout that could halt professional baseball for up to nine months—the longest disruption in 150 years. After the Milwaukee Brewers clinched the World Series over the Tampa Bay Rays, the league faces a showdown over a proposed salary cap, with owners demanding limits to boost franchise values and players staunchly opposing. The author expresses anger at the owners, warning that the looming impasse may permanently reshape the sport.
The Red Sox have five days to remove four players from their roster
The Red Sox must trim their 40-man roster to the required limit within five days of the World Series, as seven players are returning from the 60‑day IL while only three free agents (Sonny Gray, Isiah Kiner‑Falefa, Patrick Sandoval) will depart. With 47 names on the roster, four must be cut, likely targeting pitchers such as Eduardo Rivera and Raymond Burgos. The article outlines the roster crunch, lists the seven IL returnees, and invites fans to debate who will be removed as Boston’s first offseason decision unfolds.
Three Red Sox who deserved postseason MVP honors
The Over the Monster piece spotlights three Red Sox players who missed postseason MVP recognition. Pitcher David Price earned a 2‑0 record, 1.98 ERA and a clutch Game 5 win in the 2018 World Series, yet was eclipsed by Steve Pearce’s homers. Outfielder Trot Nixon’s .333 average, three home runs and 5 RBI powered Boston’s 2003 ALCS comeback, especially with a Game‑7 lead‑off blast off Roger Clemens. Veteran knuckleballer Tim Wakefield posted a 2‑1 record, 2.57 ERA and vital wins in Games 1 and 4 of that same ALCS, keeping the Sox alive before Aaron Boone’s series‑deciding homer. The article argues each deserved MVP honors for their standout performances.
Brewers at Rays liuneups: The hour is nigh?
The article reflects on the Milwaukee Brewers' potential clinch in Game 5 of the 2026 World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays, lamenting that the Rays avoided a sweep after previous 5‑ and 6‑game losses. It references the rarity of a Game 7 comeback—only the Red Sox have done it after trailing 3‑0 in a playoff series—and expresses hope that Brewers pitcher Drew Rasmussen leads Milwaukee to victory.
2026 Red Sox Roster in Review: Can Erik Miller fix his control issues?
Red Sox left‑hander Erik Miller, acquired at the 2026 trade deadline for Marcelo Mayer, dazzled early with 14 flawless relief outings before faltering in September, issuing six earned runs in his last five games and struggling in the Wild Card Series against the Yankees. His fast, horizontally‑moving fastball and wipeout slider generate a high ground‑ball rate and a 33% strikeout rate versus lefties, but his walk rate ballooned from 6.5% to 23% after a strong start. The article questions whether Boston can tame Miller’s control, citing past success with wild arms like Aroldis Chapman.
Brewers & Rays give us a gem to keep the World Series going
In Game 4 of the 2026 World Series, the Tampa Bay Rays edged the Milwaukee Brewers in a dramatic 12‑inning thriller at Tropicana Field. Ben Williamson delivered a walk‑off single after a controversial overturned safe call and a disputed managerial decision by Pat Murphy, who left his top reliever on the bench. Highlights included a clutch catch by Chandler Simpson, stellar play from Brice Turang, and an errant throw that cost the Brewers in the bottom of the 12th. The game sparked fresh debate on MLB’s new extra‑innings rule, which many now view as a positive change for fan engagement and bullpen management. The author draws parallels to the 2004 ALCS, noting the historic feel of the comeback‑style finish.
The Moments that Made the 2026 Red Sox: The Scottish Invasion of Fenway
On June 14, 2026, a sea of Scottish Tartan Army fans filled Fenway Park, turning a 6-4 Red Sox loss to Texas into a lively celebration amid the FIFA World Cup. The story traces back to Aaron Judge’s draw of Scotland’s group at the World Cup lottery on Dec. 5, 2025, and highlights Scotland’s 1‑0 Group C win over Haiti on June 13. While Boston’s record fell to 29‑40 and playoff odds slipped to 16.3%, the Scottish crowd’s chants and songs injected much‑needed energy into a struggling season, proving that the World Cup’s fan frenzy could revive Fenway’s atmosphere.
Game Thread: Please keep the World Series going, Rays
On October 26, 2026, the Tampa Bay Rays face a 0-3 deficit in the World Series against the Milwaukee Brewers at Tropicana Field. The post, written with a mix of humor and desperation, urges the Rays to win Game 4 to stave off post‑season blues, highlighting pitcher Griffin Jax’s start at 8 p.m. on FOX opposite Brewers’ Dustin May. While the author playfully claims they don’t want the Rays to win—citing the 2004 Red Sox comeback—they ultimately plead for a victory to brighten the otherwise bleak days after the season ends.
Building the all-21st Century Red Sox World Series lineup
The Over the Monster piece crafts two all‑Star Red Sox lineups drawn from the franchise’s four World Series titles (2004, 2007, 2013, 2018). First, a "World Series‑production" roster features Jacoby Ellsbury, Dustin Pedroia, David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, Mike Lowell, Steve Pearce, Jason Varitek, Trot Nixon and Julio Lugo, backed by a rotation of Jon Lester, Josh Beckett, Pedro Martínez and David Price. A second, talent‑based lineup swaps in Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, Kevin Youkilis and re‑orders the rest, keeping the same ace‑filled rotation. The article invites fans to debate the selections in the comments.
Red Sox Roster Problem or Solution: Kristian Campbell
The Red Sox face a roster dilemma as 2026 outfielder/designated hitter Kristian Campbell, who signed an eight‑year extension before debuting, spent the season in the minors and now battles for a spot behind Roman Anthony, Wilyer Abreu, Ceddanne Rafaela and Curtis Mead. Campbell’s 2025 MLB line (.223/.319/.345, 6 HR) and recent minor‑league work (.256/.383/.380, 8 HR) show modest improvement, but Boston must decide whether to mold him into a platoon OF to fill the void left by Rob Refsnyder or write off the $80 million contract. The article weighs best‑case (platoon role) against worst‑case (dead weight) scenarios and argues the club will keep fighting for his contribution next season.
Where were you when the Red Sox won the 2004 World Series 22 years ago today?
On October 27, 2026, Over the Monster marks the 22nd anniversary of Game 4 of the 2004 World Series, when the Boston Red Sox defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 3‑0 at Busch Stadium to break an 86‑year championship drought. The post recalls the author’s childhood memory of watching the historic win from Quincy, Massachusetts, and invites fans to share their own celebrations of the curse‑ending triumph.
Game Thread: The World Series moves to St. Pete
The World Series shifts to Tropicana Field for Game 3 on Oct. 26, pitting the Milwaukee Brewers against the Tampa Bay Rays. With the series tied and both teams eyeing a six‑plus‑game showdown, Brewers left‑hander Freddy Peralta starts for Tampa Bay. The live broadcast begins at 8 p.m. on FOX.
The Curtis Mead trade altered the Red Sox trade deadline — so did his injury
The Red Sox’s July 2026 trade deadline pivot—sending promising left‑hander Connelly Early to Washington for hot‑hitting Australian infielder Curtis Mead—looked like a bold win‑or‑lose move. Mead was riding a breakout spell with the Nationals (17 HR, .852 OPS) when he debuted for Boston against the A's, only to be hit in the wrist by a 95‑mph fastball from Jack Perkins, forcing him to leave the game. The article reviews how this acquisition, meant to fuel a historic 15‑game win streak and a deep playoff push, was instantly derailed by injury, echoing past Red Sox deadline misfires.
Red Sox News & Links: Sox “widely expected” to try to trade Jarren Duran
The Boston Red Sox are reportedly preparing to move outfielder Jarren Duran this winter. Despite still being arbitration‑eligible, Duran’s subpar 2026 season has sparked speculation that he could be dealt, though a non‑tender appears unlikely. An insider told MassLive the trade is "widely expected." The piece also notes that Red Sox outfielders Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu each captured a Fielding Bible Award, underscoring the club’s defensive strength as they eye a potential World Series return.
Drew Rasmussen attempts to even the series for the Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays aim to tie the World Series with a start from ace Drew Rasmussen, who has been a near‑automatic winner this season. Opposing the Rays, Milwaukee’s Logan Henderson, sporting a sub‑3.00 ERA, will lead the Brewers. The decisive Game begins at 8 PM on FOX, with the first pitch shortly after. A light‑hearted tweet shows teammate Payton Tolle and Miguel Rojas sharing a giant beef short rib in Milwaukee.
Payton Tolle’s season debut against the Yankees solidified his roster slot, probably forever
Payton Tolle finally breaks out for the Red Sox on August 29, 2026, solidifying his spot in the rotation with a dominant debut against the Yankees. The left‑hander fanned five straight hitters – including Aaron Judge – and recorded 14 strikeouts, the most by a Red Sox pitcher that season until Sonny Gray matched it. Despite a 4-2 loss driven by managerial missteps, Tolle’s 3.0‑ish ERA and 171 strikeouts across the year earn him the likely Opening Day nod for 2027. The article also notes Brayan Bello’s rebound, Garrett Crochet’s injury, and the rotation’s depth that made Tolle’s rise a key story of a memorable 2026 campaign.
Controversial 9th inning in Game 1 of the World Series reignites debate about “the neighborhood play”
In Game 1 of the 2026 World Series, a controversial ninth‑inning double‑play call reignited the debate over baseball’s “neighborhood play.” After a super‑slow‑motion replay showed Brewers shortstop Cooper Pratt’s foot was slightly off second base, the run stood and Milwaukee held on to win 3‑2. The article traces the rule’s evolution—reviewable since 2016 and once allowing in‑the‑neighborhood outs for safety—to historic moments like the 1977 ALCS collision involving George Brett. It asks fans what classic aspects of the game they miss, sparking discussion about the balance between tradition and technology.
The Rays and Brewers are set to face off in Game 1 of the World Series
For the first time since 1980, the 2026 World Series pits two clubs without a championship— the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers—against each other. Both entered the Fall Classic as league leaders, with the Rays posting 98 wins and the Brewers a franchise‑record 103. Game 1 kicks off at 8 p.m. at American Family Field, featuring lineups that include Yandy Diaz, Christian Yelich, William Contreras and a debut by flame‑throwing rookie Jacob Misiorowski. The series airs on FOX and streams on ESPN Radio, SiriusXM and iHeartRadio.
The Moments that Made the 2026 Red Sox: The Dodger sweep allowed us to dream of a Hollywood ending
The article recalls the Red Sox’s peak summer surge, highlighted by a dramatic August 2 sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers that pushed Boston within five games of the division leader. The sweep capped a 32‑5 midsummer run, included a 15‑1 West Coast road trip, and featured four straight wins over the Dodgers, Yankees, Rays and White Sox—teams all in first place when the streak began. Standout moments include Ceddanne Rafaela’s four home runs and a collective 20‑run output despite Willson Contreras’s injury. While the series sparked dreams of a World Series run, the author notes how the momentum quickly faded later in August.
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