# Red Sox offense crumbles with playoffs looming

> Boston's struggling bats have become their biggest problem with 12 games left in the season.
- Title: Red Sox offense crumbles with playoffs looming | Shortify
- Summary: Boston's struggling bats have become their biggest problem with 12 games left in the season. The Red Sox need to fix their offense immediately or face…
- Keywords: boston red sox, 2026 mlb season, offense struggles, wild card race, new york yankees, playoffs, willson contreras, ceddanne rafaela, texas rangers, patrick sandoval, sports, Red
- Source: Boston Red Sox On SI — https://si.com/mlb/red-sox/onsi/red-sox-s-biggest-weakness-exposed-with-12-games-to-go-pat3
- Published: 2026-09-15T23:39:57+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: boston red sox, 2026 mlb season, offense struggles, wild card race, new york yankees, playoffs, willson contreras, ceddanne rafaela, texas rangers, patrick sandoval, sports
## Red Sox in tight playoff race
Boston enters the final stretch at 82-68, holding the No. 2 AL Wild Card spot but trailing the Yankees by five games with 12 games remaining.
## Offense has cratered recently
Over the last 30 days, Boston ranks 18th in runs scored with 114. In the last 15 days, it's even worse: 27th with just 45 runs, averaging 3.75 per game versus 4.42 for the season.
## Last week was historically bad
Over the last seven days, Boston scored just 15 runs in four games, ranking 26th in the league.
## Key players returning from injury
Willson Contreras returned September 13 and has played one game. Ceddanne Rafaela is expected back soon. Their simultaneous absence explains the offensive collapse.
## No margin for error in playoffs
Boston is likely headed to the No. 2 Wild Card spot, meaning a three-game series at Yankee Stadium. They lost to New York in three games last season in the same scenario.

> There is no wiggle room in a three-game Wild Card series on the road.
## Offense must improve before October
If Boston doesn't jumpstart its bats before the playoffs, a deep run is unlikely. The weak offense will be exposed in a short series.

> If Boston can't jumpstart this offense again before the playoffs arrive, it won't be a deep run for the Red Sox.
## Final 12 games are critical
Whether Boston closes the gap with New York or not, these games are essential for getting the offense back on track before the postseason.
## Key takeaway

The Red Sox need to fix their offense immediately or face elimination in a road Wild Card series against the Yankees.