The 2019 Boston Red Sox season was the 119th season in the team's history, and their 108th season at Fenway Park. The Red Sox entered the season as reigning World Series champions, but did not repeat, as they were eliminated from playoff contention on September 20. With a record of 84 wins and 78 losses, they finished third in the American League East, 19 games behind the New York Yankees. It was the first time the Red Sox did not win their division since 2015. Offseason During the offseason, the team retained or re-signed most players from the 2018 team. Not retained were closer Craig Kimbrel, reliever Joe Kelly, starter Drew Pomeranz, and second baseman Ian Kinsler. Prior to Opening Day, the team sent catcher Sandy León to the minor leagues, opting to carry two catchers on the roster, Christian Vázquez and Blake Swihart. Manager Alex Cora stated he would use Andrew Benintendi as the team's leadoff hitter, with Mookie Betts batting second, swapping their positions from the team's usual 2018 batting order. Cora did not name a specific relief pitcher as closer. October 2018 On October 30, the Red Sox exercised their $15M 2019 team option on LHP Chris Sale. On October 31, LHP David Price announced that he would return to the Red Sox for the 2019 season, declining a contract option that would have allowed him to become a free agent. November 2018 On November 12, closer Craig Kimbrel declined Boston's one-year, $17.9 million qualifying offer, thus becoming a free agent. On November 15, the Red Sox announced an average price increase of 2.5 percent for tickets to 2019 games. On November 16, the Red Sox re-signed 1B/LF Steve Pearce to a one-year, $6.25M deal. On November 20, the Padres traded RHP Colten Brewer to the Red Sox for infielder Esteban Quiroz. On the same day, the Red Sox released RHP William Cuevas, who then signed with the KT Wiz of Korea's KBO League. On November 28, senior vice president of player personnel Allard Baird was hired by the New York Mets. On November 30, the Red Sox re-signed RHP Tyler Thornburg to a one-year contract worth $1.75 million, plus incentives worth up to $400,000. December 2018 On December 6, the Red Sox re-signed RHP Nathan Eovaldi to a four-year contract, reportedly worth $67.5 million. On December 10, the Cincinnati Reds claimed LHP Robby Scott off of