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5 Former Red Sox Still Playing in World Series While Boston Sits at Home

The World Series begins on Friday and several former Red Sox players will be playing. Who are they?

By Aidan Leonard

Jun 8, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Alex Verdugo (24) dives safely in to second base beating the tag by Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) during the fifth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Jun 8, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Alex Verdugo (24) dives safely in to second base beating the tag by Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) during the fifth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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Baseball’s fall classic is here again with the New York Yankees battling the Los Angeles Dodgers for the World Series crown. Two iconic brands with huge budgets, it’s hard not to peek at the Boston Red Sox when discussing both ball clubs.

In 2024, the Yankees finished second in adjusted payroll allocations with $309,434,607. Finishing only behind Subway Series rival New York Mets. In fifth, the Los Angeles Dodgers had a total of $241,010,117. Where are the Red Sox? Six spots down in eleventh at $190,037,445. A franchise, according to Forbes, worth $4.5 billion, which is third in the league only behind the two teams still playing. However, one key note, this was actually an improvement from last season. Where the Red Sox came in at 13th. The year prior, 6th in 2022. 

The blame game can be thrown at many different people, but the fact is the Red Sox let key players go. Over the past handful of years, outside of the ALCS trip in 2021, the Red Sox have been disappointing. They've failed to make the playoffs and finished middle of the pack. Opting to cut back on salary has led to valuable big leaguers finding new teams or moving through trades. In this World Series alone, five former Red Sox will have a chance at a ring. 

With four playing for the Dodgers and one for the Yankees. Additionally not on the roster, but former Red Sox, are LAD manager Dave Roberts and reliever Joe Kelly who has battled injuries and rough outings all season. Leading to him not making either the NLCS or WS roster. 

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