The 2026 MLB season has barely begun, but the Boston Red Sox are already making unwanted history. After a promising Opening Day win in Cincinnati, the team has spiraled into one of the worst starts in franchise history, leaving fans and analysts alike searching for answers.

Through the first five weeks, the Red Sox stumbled to a 2-8 record and never found their footing. By the end of April, they sat dead last in the AL East with a dismal 12-19 mark. That tally isn't just disappointing—it's a team record for the most losses in April, a dubious distinction Boston would rather forget.

To be fair, the modern MLB calendar starts in late March, meaning the Red Sox played more games this April than many of their historic counterparts. But that doesn't excuse the lack of readiness from Alex Cora's squad. The slow start ultimately cost Cora his job, as the team struggled in every phase of the game: hitting, pitching, fielding, and baserunning. Injuries and inconsistent playing time have only compounded the problem, leaving a roster full of underperformers searching for a spark.

There is a silver lining, however. The American League is notably weak this year, with only three teams entering May above .500. That leaves plenty of room for a turnaround, and the Red Sox still have 131 games to right the ship. They've rallied from slow starts before, including last season, but this hole is deeper. The challenge is steeper, especially with two of those three winning teams residing in their own division.

For Boston, the message is clear: the new-look coaching staff needs results fast. If the Red Sox can find their rhythm and start producing, this historically bad start could become just a footnote in a season of redemption. But if not, April's record will be a painful reminder of what went wrong.