A day, and pitching performance, to remember
NEW YORK - The Yankees' clubhouse was as one would expect. Champagne. Googles. Merriment. The Red Sox's room? That was a bit more unique.
Clap. Pat. Pat.
Clap. Pat. Pat.
No music. Just that rhythmic sound that seemed to become more and more prevalent with each passing moment following the Red Sox's 4-0, season-ending loss out on the Yankee Stadium field. The sound represented the players' appreciation for one another and the punctuation of their last seven months together.
It was the high-fiving of hands followed by the patting embrace on the back, otherwise known as the universal show of affection for most athletes. And judging by the amount of this same sound circulating throughout the visitors' clubhouse, there was plenty of affection to go around.
This was all they had left, because there was no more baseball for this group of players to play.
"It sucks," said Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet. "Most of all, it’s just awkward, man. Everyone’s feeling bitter. Individually, there were a lot of good seasons in this room, so that’s praise that needs to be shared. But ultimately, as a group, we’re all pretty bitter. Most of us are going to be watching the World Series here in three weeks, wishing it was us, thinking it should’ve been us. But it ended the way it did and ultimately we had a lot of young guys gather some really valuable experience."
It was the scene in the clubhouse that offered some additional insight into the reality of where this Red Sox team has landed. There was what transpired on the field, which, Thursday night, revealed some uncomfortable realities when it came to fundamentals, offensive firepower, and the ability to keep up with the likes of the Yankees. And then there are the images integrated within all those embraces.
There was the promise that came with the presence of such wide-eyed rookies as Payton Tolle and Thursday's starter, Connelly Early. While both did their best to relay images of the cool, calm, and collected contributors, listening to Tolle reflect on his whole postseason experience offered a reminder that this was a stepping stone for both.
"It was like I was levitating while listening to this deafening noise," Tolle said when trying to describe running in from the bullpen during Game 2. "It was unbelievable."
Then there was guy who went from locker to locker, including that of Tolle, to spend a few extra moments for additional appreciation - Alex Bregman. Or, as Tolle yelled across the room, "Alex (expletive) Bregman!"
"It’s definitely tough," Bregman said. "It started back in February in spring training, set out on our goal, we didn’t get there this year, but I’m proud of the fight in the room all year long. I felt like our team got better and better every step of the way and the future is bright. Obviously, this sucks right now. This is brutal. We envisioned winning tonight and making a deep run but I’m proud of the fight in the room. I’m proud of the guys. It was an honor to put on this jersey."
It was all part of the final scene for the 2025 Red Sox.
But while digesting those moments after the loss, bits and pieces were being used to decipher if there might be a better result in 2026.
Bregman was asked if he could envision himself back in a Red Sox uniform next year, potentially not utilizing his opt-out this offseason. "Of course," he said. "I haven’t been thinking of that at all right now. I’m thinking about the game that just happened."
The same topic of conversation came up to Trevor Story, who also has the option of becoming a free agent and turning his back on the final two years of his deal with the Sox. "It's not top of mind," he said. "I'm not going to speak on that right now, but I came here to be here for a long time."
There was talk of not having the likes of Roman Anthony and how that might have changed things. Injuries, ailments, and unfortunate twists and turns were also broached. And talk of what it was like to face the Yankees' future starter Cam Schlittler also floated from player to player.
But ultimately, the sting of the season's final loss and the in-the-moment appreciation for one another couldn't prevent a glimpse into what might be a year from now.
"I think as an organization," said Red Sox manager Alex Cora, "we are in a great, great, great place."