Red Sox's Strong Case as AL Favorites Over Yankees, Rays

The Boston Red Sox look like the favorites in the American League.

Aug 22, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy (17) calls to the bullpen during the sixth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Boston Red Sox have won two straight games over the San Francisco Giants and will go for the sweep on Sunday afternoon with lefty Jake Bennett set to take the hill.

With the club's thrilling walk-off win over the Giants on Saturday night, Boston improved its record to 70-59 on the season. In the process, the Red Sox became just the third team in the American League to reach 70 wins on the season, joining the Tampa Bay Rays and the New York Yankees.

While the Red Sox are in third place in the American League East, there's reason to believe that this club actually could end up being the best in the division overall by the time the regular season comes to a close. First and foremost, the Red Sox have been the best of the group since June 25. Boston has gone 38-13 over the stretch. The Yankees have gone 25-25 and the Rays have gone 32-23 in comparison. That shouldn't shock anyone. Boston has been the best team in baseball since the end of June, which certainly skews the numbers.

The Red Sox Have A Lot Going For Them

Jul 18, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox first base coach/infield instructor Jose David Flores (58) (l) and interim manager Chad Tracy (17) (r) watch from the dugout during the fifth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

One thing that stands out at this point, though, is Boston's overall run differential. Right now, the Red Sox have the best run differential in the American League at +98. There are just five teams in the American League in general with a positive run differential and Boston is leading the pack. The Yankees are in second place at +95.

The reason why this stat is interesting — and makes Boston look great — is the fact that it's not just a representation of how the club has done since the end of June. But, instead, the entire season. Even when the Red Sox were struggling early on this season, they weren't getting blown out, for the most part. The Red Sox lost a lot of close games early on, which didn't look good in the standings. But despite the fact that they were among the worst teams in baseball for a few months in the standings, they were still competitive, due to their pitching.

The second the offense turned it on as well, they became elite. Two more big bats are coming back soon as well in Trevor Story and Roman Anthony. Boston is already in an excellent spot and it's going to get even better. Red Sox fans should be excited. Boston arguably has more upside than both the Rays and the Yankees right now.