On March 12, 2020, MLB announced that because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the start of the regular season would be delayed by at least two weeks in addition to the remainder of spring training being cancelled.[2] Four days later, it was announced that the start of the season would be pushed back indefinitely due to the recommendation made by the CDC to restrict events of more than 50 people for eight weeks.[3]
The team completed its 2019 season with interim executive leadership, as Brian O'Halloran, Eddie Romero, Zack Scott, and Raquel Ferreira oversaw baseball operations following the September 9 dismissal of Dave Dombrowski, president of baseball operations.[4] As the season came to a close, principal owner John W. Henry and chairman Tom Werner stated that they want the team to get its payroll under the Major League Baseball luxury tax threshold.[5] The team's 2019 payroll of $243 million was $37 million over the $206 million threshold, resulting in the team paying $13 million in luxury tax.[5] The 2020 threshold will be $208 million.[5]
October 2019
October 2019
On October 2, it was reported that assistant hitting coach Andy Barkett was dismissed,[6] which was confirmed by the team on October 8.[7]
On October 8, the team announced that ticket prices at Fenway Park during the 2020 season would increase an average of 1.7% from 2019 pricing.[8]
On October 8, the team announced that Dana LeVangie and Brian Bannister would not return as the team's pitching coach and assistant pitching coach, respectively, although both would remain with the team in other roles.[7]
On October 31, the team officially named Dave Bush pitching coach, Kevin Walker assistant pitching coach, and Peter Fatse assistant hitting coach.[13]
On October 31, J. D. Martinez entered a five-day period within which he could opt out of his contract (which would make him a free agent and trigger a $2.5 million payment from the Red Sox);[19] Martinez did not opt out.[20]
November 2019
November 2019
On November 4, catcher Juan Centeno was removed from the 40-man roster and elected to become a free agent.[21][22]
On November 12, Tony La Russa, who had worked with the Red Sox for two years as a special assistant, was hired by the Los Angeles Angels as a senior advisor.[23]
On December 9, the team announced contract extensions for executives Raquel Ferreira, Eddie Romero, and Zack Scott, under which they each hold the title of Executive Vice President / Assistant General Manager.[30]
On January 7, The Athletic published a report alleging that the 2018 Red Sox broke MLB rules by using a video replay room during regular season games to decipher the signs of opposing catchers, according to three unnamed sources who were with the team that year.[39]
On January 10, the Red Sox acquired pitcher Austin Brice from the Miami Marlins in exchange for minor league second baseman Angeudis Santos.[37] In a corresponding move, Marco Hernández was designated for assignment; he was sent outright to Pawtucket on January 16.[37]
On January 13, MLB's findings regarding the Houston Astros sign stealing scandal were announced, including that Boston manager Alex Cora—who was bench coach for the 2017 Astros—"was the only non-player involved in the subterfuge", raising the possibility that Cora may also face discipline from MLB.[41]
On January 14, the Red Sox and Cora mutually agreed to part ways.[42]
On January 15, the team traded Sam Travis to the Texas Rangers in exchange for pitcher Jeffrey Springs; to create room on the 40-man roster, Bobby Poyner was designated for assignment.[43]
On January 17, the team acquired pitcher Matt Hall from the Detroit Tigers in exchange for minor league catcher Jhon Nuñez.[44] In a corresponding move, Travis Lakins was designated for assignment.[37]
On January 21, Lakins was traded to the Chicago Cubs for future considerations, and Poyner was assigned outright to Triple-A Pawtucket.[37]
On January 28, the team re-signed Mitch Moreland to a one-year contract. To make room on the 40-man roster, Denyi Reyes was designated for assignment;[37] he was later sent outright to Pawtucket.[45]
On March 12, MLB cancelled remaining spring training games and announced that the start of the regular season would be delayed by at least two weeks, due to the coronavirus pandemic.[55] Four days later, the start of the season was moved back to at least mid-May.[56]
On March 30, the team announced that Sale successfully underwent Tommy John surgery in Los Angeles.[59]
Regular season
Note that the following schedule dates were set by MLB[60][61] prior to the March 12 announcement delaying the start of the regular season.[55]New schedule dates are TBD.
Updated with the results of all games through xxx xx, 2020.
Game log
The following schedule was set by MLB[60] prior to the March 12 announcement delaying the start of the regular season by at least two weeks.[55]This section will be updated once MLB releases a new schedule.
Red Sox Win
Red Sox Loss
Game Postponed
2020 Boston Red Sox Season Game Log: 0–0 (Home: 0–0; Away: 0–0)
Minor league managerial assignments were announced by the Red Sox on January 16, 2020.[62] The only change from the prior season was Sandy Madera, named to manage one of the Dominican Summer League teams.
In March 2020, MLB Pipeline ranked the Red Sox' farm system 25th, in their evaluation of the minor league organizations of all 30 MLB teams.[63]