The stage is set for another October showdown in one of baseball’s fiercest rivalries. The Boston Red Sox return to the postseason for the first time since 2021, squaring off against the New York Yankees in the Bronx on Tuesday night in Game 1 of the American League Wild Card Series.
It will be a battle of All-Star left-handers on the mound: Boston’s Garrett Crochet (9-6, 3.01 ERA) against New York’s Max Fried (19-5, 2.78 ERA).
Crochet’s First Postseason Start
After making playoff appearances as a reliever for the White Sox in 2020 and 2021, Crochet now steps into the spotlight as Boston’s Game 1 starter. The 25-year-old was acquired by the Red Sox last December and signed a six-year, $170 million extension that kicks in next season. He’s been dominant against New York this year, going 3-0 with a 3.29 ERA in four starts, using a fastball-slider combo that has given Yankee hitters fits.
Crochet made sure his teammates knew the importance of showing up for this series — even off the field. On the flight to New York, he urged the Red Sox to “dress for success” to set the tone for their postseason run.
Fried Anchors Yankees’ Rotation
On the other side, the Yankees turn to their prized free-agent addition. Fried, who signed an eight-year, $218 million contract after leaving Atlanta, has been mostly brilliant in his first year in pinstripes. After battling blister issues midsummer, he closed strong, going 6-0 with a 1.55 ERA in his final seven starts. He’s been effective against Boston as well, posting a 1.96 ERA across three outings.
Manager Aaron Boone confirmed that left-handed-hitting catcher Austin Wells, who caught 27 of Fried’s 32 starts, will be behind the plate, while right-handed slugger Paul Goldschmidt is expected to start at first base against Crochet.
Old Foes, New Chapter
Red Sox vs. Yankees in October always carries extra weight. The rivalry’s postseason lore includes Bucky Dent’s 1978 tiebreaker homer, Aaron Boone’s walk-off in the 2003 ALCS, Curt Schilling’s bloody sock in 2004, and Boston’s historic comeback from down 0-3 that same year.
Boston has owned recent October matchups, winning eight of the last nine postseason games against New York, including the 2018 Division Series and the 2021 Wild Card. The Red Sox also took this year’s season series 9-4, including 5-2 at Yankee Stadium.
“This is the kind of series where it’s not going to be a great day for the back of your baseball card,” Boston outfielder Rob Refsnyder said with a grin.
Inconsistent Roads to October
Both teams traveled winding roads to the postseason. The Yankees, defending AL champions, started strong at 35-20, stumbled during a 25-34 stretch, then surged late with a 34-14 finish. Boston was 30-35 through late May before turning things around, finishing 59-38 the rest of the way to grab a wild card berth.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora, who holds a 17-8 postseason record, praised Yankees captain Aaron Judge, who dominated offensively this year with MLB-best marks in batting average (.331), slugging percentage (.688), and on-base percentage (.457).
X-Factors
One player who brings postseason pedigree is Boston third baseman Alex Bregman. The former Houston star, now in his first year with the Red Sox, will be appearing in his 10th straight postseason. Game 1 will mark his 100th playoff game, giving Boston a steadying veteran presence in the infield. Meanwhile, the Yankees will lean heavily on Judge’s bat and Fried’s arm to steady them at home.
The winner of this best-of-three showdown will advance to face the AL East champion Toronto Blue Jays in the Division Series. For Boston and New York, though, the first hurdle is familiar: beating their most hated rival under the October lights.
First pitch in the Bronx is set for Tuesday at 8:08 p.m. ET.
