So far, in 2024, it has been a tale of two baseball betting odds seasons for the Boston Red Sox. Following a 29-29 start, the Red Sox kicked into gear with improved play that catapulted them into the American League wild-card race. Boston was one of the hottest and most profitable teams heading into the All-Star break. Now, the question for gamblers is whether the Red Sox can keep their newfound momentum going through the dog days of summer. Wise Guys are taking a liking to Boston’s value.
2024 Boston Red Sox
2024 Boston Red Sox Manager
Manager Alex Cora was an offshore bookmaker journeyman player with several teams from 1998 through 2011. Previously, He played for Boston from 2005 through 2008. Cora won the World Series in his rookie year as a manager with the Red Sox. In sum, his career record is 440-370.
2024 Boston Red Sox Key Players
RHP Lucas Giolito was the top MLB odds off-season acquisition for Boston. He figured to be the number one starter. But Giolito has spent the season on the disabled list. He remains on the 60-day DL because of a UCL issue on his right elbow.
In 2023, Giolito played for the Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels, and Cleveland Indians. His combined record was 8-15 with a 4.88 ERA and 1.31 WHIP. Previously, Giolito was the ace of the White Sox staff from 2019 through 2021. Kutter Crawford took over as the number-one starter for Boston. So far, in 2024, Crawford is 5-7 with a 3.24 ERA with a 1.07 WHIP. He posted 106 strikeouts in 105.2 innings of work.
RHP Kenley Jansen is the Red Sox closer. He is a three-time All-Star. Last year, his first in Boston, he was 3-6 with a 3.63 ERA and 1.28 WHIP. Jansen saved 29 games in 33 opportunities. Jansen is best known for his days with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he was the closer from 2012 through 2021. So far in 2024, Jansen had a record of 3-1 with 18 saves, a 2.01 ERA, and a 1.05 WHIP.
In 2023, 3B Rafael Devers produced 90 runs, 34 doubles, 33 home runs, 100 runs batted in, and hit .271 with a .851 OPS. He has hit at least 27 home runs in the past three seasons. So far in 2024, Devers has 56 runs, 16 doubles, 21 home runs, 55 RBI with a .971 OPS. Last season, 1B Triston Casas became a regular for the first time. He produced 66 runs, 21 doubles, 24 home runs, 65 runs batted in with a .263 average and .857 OPS. Casas is on the 60-day DL as he recovers from a rib injury.
Despite crying poor in recent seasons, the Boston Red Sox remain in the upper third of the MLB payroll rankings. The Red Sox remain an iconic brand and generate plenty of public betting action. While having one of the largest followings of any sport, the Red Sox have fallen upon lean times. Boston has missed the playoffs in four of the last five seasons after winning the 2018 World Series. From 2003 through 2018, the Red Sox made the playoffs ten times with three World Series championships. Thus, fans are frustrated that things are no longer the same.