Are the Red Sox on the Same Trajectory as the 2015 Cubs?

Theo's rebuild of the Cubs might be the blueprint for the Red Sox return to glory

I think most Red Sox fans would agree that the 2011 season an unmitigated disaster. Not only did they blow a huge division lead but missed the playoffs as well on the last day of the season. We watched in horror as Terry Francona "parted ways" with the Red Sox. The Chicago media was reporting that the Cubs were making a play for Theo Epstein, and the Red Sox were going to allow it. No, this couldn't be happening.

Theo wasted no time building an infrastructure like he had in Boston. He drafted players that fit the Red Sox Way which was now the Cubs Way. He built a development organization where teaching was consistent throughout all levels of the minor league system. After three long losing years, the tree began to bear fruit, and the 2015 Cubs were the talk of the town. They went to the NLCS where they lost to the Mets. We all remember what happened the following year. So how are the 2025 Red Sox similar to that team?

Rookies

The Cubs had four rookies that year that made significant contributions, Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber, Addison Russell, and Jorge Soler. Bryant hit 26 HRs and 99 RBIs with a .858 OPS and won the Rookie of the Year award. Russell became a very good defensive middle infielder. Schwarber is well, Schwarber, and he's still that guy to this day. All four became the core of the 2016 championship team.

The Red Sox have a legitimate ROY candidate in Roman Anthony. Carlos Narvaez is a great young catcher, especially defensively. Kristian Campbell showed some promise early and should return to the big club sometime this season. Marcelo Mayer was playing well before getting hurt. While this rookie group has not performed on par with the 2015 Cubs, it is every bit as talented. Look for all four of them to make big strides next year.

Second Year Players

Javy Baez and Kyle Hendricks had lackluster rookie seasons in 2014 but broke out in a big way in 2015. Hendricks "the professor" became a very efficient pitcher who slotted in behind Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester. Javy "El Mago" Baez became a wizard with the glove even though he didn't mature offensively until 2016.

The Red Sox have a couple of second year breakout players in Wilyer Abreu and Ceddanne Rafaela. They are both still streaky hitters, but their defense is gold glove caliber. They both have serious power but also continue to strike out too much. There is still some maturing needed but their arrows are pointed in the right direction.

Veterans

The biggest additions Theo made to the 2015 Cubs were Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester. Arrieta won the Cy Young in 2015, and Lester had a very good year. In 2012 he went out and got one of his favorite players, Anthony Rizzo, who he drafted in Boston. Those three, along with Dexter Fowler and Miguel Montero formed the veteran core to lead the team, but the best was yet to come in 2016.

The Red Sox made one of the best veteran pickups of the year in Alex Bregman, a two-time World Series champ. Jarren Duran has been solid this year after finishing 8th in MVP voting last year. He continues to be a catalyst and positive clubhouse presence. They have locked up two veteran pitchers, Garrett Crochet and Brayan Bello, who figure to be rotation mainstays for years to come. Aroldis Chapman has had a career year. Add in Trevor Story who has finally put together a healthy season in Boston and is a good role model for the younger players.

Offseason Moves

The Cubs made three key moves after the 2015 season. First, they signed John Lackey who had just come off one of the best seasons of his career in 2013, winning a second World Series ring. They signed Ben Zobrist, an extremely versatile player who won a championship with the Royals in 2014. Finally, they added Jason Heyward who would become their starting RF in 2016 and win a gold glove. The key here is Theo added players who knew how to win in the playoffs. Along with Jon Lester, they now had a championship pedigree.

The Red Sox still need a few pieces to become a championship caliber team. A right-handed bat who can play 1B or DH is a must. They should not count on Triston Casas going forward. A top or middle of the rotation starter is also a must, depending on what happens with Giolito and Buehler. They also have to figure out the middle infield. Story, Mayer, Campbell, and Grissom are all players that will contend for starting spots. In 2015 the Cubs said goodbye to Starlin Castro, installed Baez and Russell in the middle, and it was a great decision. Should the Red Sox do the same with Story and give the 2B and SS jobs to Mayer and Campbell? You can certainly make a case for it. But again, Craig Breslow's focus must be on players who have playoff experience.

Who’s The Boss?

Of course, the big difference between the 2015 Cubs and the 2025 Red Sox is the executive making the moves. Theo Epstein was a master team builder. He had an uncanny knack for understanding what his team needed to compete. He is now in Boston and should be the guiding hand for Craig Breslow. I still don't think we know what his role is with the team. Does he advise Breslow on a day-to-day basis? Does Sam Kennedy allow him to have access to team operations? Let's hope that he has significant influence on shaping the team going forward. You don't make the jump to being a championship caliber team by accident.