The Boston Red Sox were a surprise team in 2025 to make the Wild Card.
With a record of 89-73, Boston made the playoffs for the first time since 2021.
A large part of this was the Red Sox’s pitching. While closer Aroldis Chapman turned back the clock and had arguably the best season of his career, other members of the bullpen had large roles in Boston’s success as well.
One of those key relief pitchers was Greg Weissert, who pitched in 72 games to the tune of a 2.82 ERA.
This year, he has struggled. And he knows it. After another loss on Thursday, Weissert took the blame.
According to Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic, Weissert pulled no punches about his rough start to the year.
What Did Boston Red Sox Reliever Greg Weissert Say?
Weissert did not record an out yesterday in relief of starter Jake Bennett. Two runs would come home while he was on the mound (one charged to Bennett) after giving up two hits and a walk.
This made what was a 3-3 game into an 8-4 loss against the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday night.
Weissert was incredibly candid postgame.
“Yeah, it’s no secret I’m pitching like s—,” said Weissert. “Bennett kept us in the game after the three-spot, and once again, I come in and blow it. Yeah, it sucks.”
After such a successful run in 2025, it’s been tough sledding for Weissert. While he has pitched in a team-high 17 games this season, Weissert has pitched to a 5.52 ERA.
Despite striking out 18 batters and walking just five, a ratio that would be a career-best, Weissert has given up four home runs in 14.2 innings, a startling total.
The New York Yankees selected Weissert in the 18th round of the 2016 MLB Draft out of Fordham University.
He would make his debut in 2022 with the Yankees. Boston would acquire Weissert in the Alex Verdugo trade.
Now in his age-31 season, Weissert knows he has to get right for this team to succeed.
How Is the Rest of the Team’s Pitching Staff Doing?
What was a strength for the Red Sox in 2025 has turned into a slight weakness for Boston. While the Red Sox had a 3.70 team ERA in 2025, that has jumped to 4.11 in 2026.
Despite Chapman building off his elite season in 2025 with one run given up in 11.2 innings, the rest of the staff has been hit or miss.
Garrett Whitlock, who also enjoyed an elite season with a 2.25 ERA in 2025, has seen his ERA jump up 1.5 runs.
Now at a 3.77 ERA through 14.1 innings, Whitlock has had a somewhat disappointing season.
However, the two biggest disappointments of the 2026 season for Boston are Garrett Crochet and Brayan Bello.
Crochet was considered a Cy Young favorite after finishing as the runner-up last season. In 2026, he has pitched to a 6.30 ERA and is currently on the injured list.
As for Bello, after a career year with a 3.35 ERA, he has been the worst pitcher on the staff.
In 32.2 innings, he has pitched to an astounding 7.44 ERA with just 24 strikeouts and 16 walks.
While the offense has been just as bad, if not worse, for Boston with just 153 runs scored through 38 games, the pitching needs to improve.
Already 10 games back in the AL East after a rough start with former manager Alex Cora, Weissert and others must bounce back for the Red Sox to have a chance to make the playoffs.
Red Sox Reliever Pulls No Punches After Rough Outing