The Red Sox are currently in the worst shape. Standing last in the AL East with a 1-5 record sparks questions about what the front office is thinking to revive things. At the start of spring training, manager Alex Cora said that the Red Sox’s lineup is more complete than what they had last year. But losing five games in a row after the opening game win makes Barstool Sports’ Dave Portnoy question if the owner, John Henry, is even serious with the team.

“Professional sports is his business. You should be forced, then, to be put to a vote in each city like a mayor every four years. Are you doing the best? Because the Red Sox belong to the city of Boston, not John Henry. He’s not from there, he doesn’t care about them… It’s crazy like the Red Sox are a fairly huge sports franchise with tons of revenue, and he’s just sticking his pocket or putting it in this thing. There’s got to be a way to get these guys out,” Portnoy shared via X.

Currently, Henry’s portfolio in sports business includes the Red Sox, Liverpool FC, the Pittsburgh Penguins, and RFK Racing. So, he is not only dedicated to the Red Sox’s operation. And according to Portnoy, this might be the reason that Henry is not bothered about the Red Sox losing games as long as he is earning revenue. In 2026, Forbes ranked the Red Sox as the third most valuable MLB team ($5.25 billion).

Moreover, in 2026, the Red Sox lead the MLB in operating income with $78 million. Even though it has decreased from $120 million, which was reported last year, it remains the highest in the league. So, despite the team winning their last World Series in 2018, cash keeps on coming.

Portnoy gave the examples of a few marquee names that the Red Sox let go in the past. For example, by trading Mookie Betts to the Dodgers in 2020, they shed payroll and avoided mounting luxury tax penalties. Last year, the Red Sox blew up their equation with Rafael Devers in a botched move involving Alex Bregman, only to lose Bregman in the offseason. So, Portnoy is certain that Henry is focused on profits rather than investing in Boston.

In contrast, Henry’s entity in Europe is performing. Liverpool FC won the Premier League title in 2025. And since the 2019-20 season, they have won the FIFA Club World Cup, FA Cup, and EFL Cup. So, they are performing much better compared to the Red Sox. So, is it just the lack of focus from Henry, or is the clubhouse not turning up at the crucial moments?

The Red Sox’s offence takes the maximum blame

The Red Sox scored 4.9 runs per game last year. This year, they have plated just 17 runs in the six games. So, according to Team USA manager Mark DeRosa, offense is the area that is holding the team back. “When you don’t hit, everything else looks sloppy,” DeRosa said on MLB Central. “The bottom line. You look flat.”

With names like Roman Anthony, Wilyer Abreu, Jarren Duran, and Trevor Story in the lineup, the offense is yet to burst onto the scene. Moreover, from such a star-studded lineup, Boston has only had two position players with more than 10 plate appearances with above-average OPS+ figures. One is Wilyer Abreu, with a 284, and the other is Roman Anthony, who’s barely above average at 102.

So, that’s the sad state of the Red Sox’s offense.

And adding to the chaos, the starting rotation is also blowing up the chances. Currently, after the first six games, the Red Sox pitching staff’s 4.91 ERA ranked fourth-worst in the majors. Moreover, Boston is tied for the second-most homers allowed. So, while the sluggers are failing to put runs on board, the pitching staff is leaking runs.

They gave up 32 runs in the six games, averaging 5+ runs per game. Last year, they allowed 4.2 runs per game. So, as the Red Sox’s offense falters big time, the pitching staff is making things worse.

Yes, there are still 96.3% games left this season, and enough for the team to revive. But the big question is whether that will come against the Padres in the next series.