The Red Sox Need To Hit Better At Fenway Park If They Want To Contend

BusinessSportsMoneyThe Red Sox Need To Hit Better At Fenway Park If They Want To ContendByDan Freedman,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Dan Freedman is lawyer and IBWAA member who writes about baseball.Follow AuthorMay 09, 2026, 03:34pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Former Red Sox players who have had their numbers retired threw out ceremonial first pitches prior to Friday night's game against the Rays. (Photo by China Wong/Getty Images)Getty ImagesOn Friday night, the Boston Red Sox celebrated the 125th anniversary of their first-ever home game, at Huntington Avenue Grounds. That game happened on May 8, 1901. To commemorate the day, all living Red Sox alumni with retired numbers were invited to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Fenway Park, where the Red Sox have played since 1912, is the oldest ballpark (two years older than Wrigley Field in Chicago) in major league baseball. Historically, they have an incredible record in their home whites. In fact, entering the season, Boston had a .567 winning percentage at home, which equates to a nearly 92-win season.Unfortunately, they are currently 7-11 at “The Fens” in 2026. According to the Boston Globe, as of Friday morning, Boston ranked 26th in MLB in home batting average (.222) and home on base percentage (.302). They are 28th in runs at home per game (3.1); and dead last in slugging percentage at home (.320). But when they leave the Back Bay, they slash .247/.326/.378, with 20 homers. No great shakes, but considerably better.Going into the season, it was clear that the Red Sox lacked slug in their lineup. When they failed to re-sign third baseman Alex Bregman and did not sign first baseman Pete Alonso (who, ironically, is the New York Mets all-time home run leader), they turned their sights to Trevor Story, hoping the shortstop could stay healthy and repeat his 25-homer...