Red Sox beat Nationals 6-4 on July 6 as Crochet, Bregman & Chapman earn All-Star nods. See how Boston's new veterans led the team back to .500.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
What a difference a day makes. The Boston Red Sox celebrated a trifecta of good news on Sunday, punctuated by a gritty 6-4 series-clinching victory over the Washington Nationals. The win pushed the Sox back to a .500 record (45-45), but the real headline was the announcement that three of the team's key offseason acquisitions—Garrett Crochet, Alex Bregman, and Aroldis Chapman—have officially been named 2025 American League All-Stars. It’s a day that perfectly captures the story of this season: veteran talent leading the charge and delivering when it counts.
'What they've done in the clubhouse, the way they've prepared, the way they go about their business is amazing and I am very proud of them.' - Manager Alex Cora on his three new All-Stars.
The biggest news dropped before the final out was even recorded: Boston is sending a trio of its newest stars to the Midsummer Classic in Atlanta. Lefty Garrett Crochet, third baseman Alex Bregman, and closer Aroldis Chapman all got the call, a massive validation of the front office's winter strategy. For all three, it’s a return to the All-Star stage but their first selection in a Red Sox uniform. Manager Alex Cora couldn't hide his pride, praising not just their elite performance but their veteran presence in a clubhouse that desperately needed it.
The good vibes from the All-Star news clearly carried onto the field. The Sox ambushed the Nationals with a four-run first inning, sparked by a two-run single from Trevor Story. Ceddanne Rafaela was the offensive hero, going 3-for-4 and launching his 11th home run of the season. On the mound, new All-Star Garrett Crochet battled through five innings to earn his 9th win, and fellow All-Star Aroldis Chapman slammed the door in the ninth for his 22nd save. It was a complete team effort that showcased exactly how this roster is built to win: jump out early and let the power arms finish the job.
More good news is brewing on the medical front. Alex Cora provided encouraging updates, noting that All-Star Alex Bregman (left quad) has resumed baseball activities and could be back in the lineup soon. Even better, Masataka Yoshida is slated to begin a rehab assignment with the WooSox on Tuesday, a huge step in his recovery from a right shoulder labral repair. The only lingering concern is top prospect Marcelo Mayer, who remains sidelined with an undisclosed issue, a situation the team and fans are monitoring closely.
While the big-league club fights for position, the future of the organization continues to look incredibly strong. The farm system is still ranked among the best in baseball, a testament to the organization's focus on drafting and development. Beyond the big three of Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell, and the currently sidelined Marcelo Mayer, other names are climbing the ranks. Keep an eye on outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia and pitcher Richard Fitts, who are impressing at the upper levels and could be next in line to contribute in Boston.
It was a banner day for the Red Sox, a reminder of what this team can be when the pieces click. With three deserving All-Stars leading the veteran core, reinforcements getting healthy, and a farm system brimming with talent, hitting the .500 mark feels less like a peak and more like a launching pad. As the All-Star Game in Atlanta approaches, the focus now shifts to building on this momentum and making a serious push in the second half. The foundation is there; now it's time to build.
