Red Sox owner John Henry opened up during a rare interview to discuss the state of the organization.
And he wasn’t exactly thrilled with how the fans continually have World Series aspirations.
The Fenway Sports Group founder, who rarely speaks to the Boston media, gave some insight about his thinking with the Financial Times this week.
Henry informed the outlet via email that, in his opinion, Red Sox fans’ expectations to contend for World Series titles every year are unrealistic.
“Because fans expect championships almost annually,” he told the Financial Times, “they easily become frustrated and are not going to buy into what the odds actually are: one in 20 or one in 30.”
While the Red Sox were 32-31 heading into Friday’s action — 1 1/2 games out of the third AL wild card spot — Henry and Boston brass have been under fire for years.
John W. Henry takes in a Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Wolverhampton on May 19, 2024. Along with the Boston Red Sox, he owns Liverpool FC. Getty ImagesThe Red Sox haven’t made the postseason since 2021, their lone trip since winning the 2018 World Series.
John Henry talks with David Ortiz before the 2024 Dominican Republic Series game against the Tampa Bay Rays on March 9, 2024. Getty ImagesIn the ensuing years, the team has cut payroll and sold off on players like Mookie Betts, whom they traded to the Dodgers following the 2019 season.
Henry maintains that he’s committed to building Boston back into a winning team.
“My wife and I live and work in Boston,” Henry added. “We are committed to the city, the region. So the Sox are not going to come up for sale. We generally don’t sell assets.
“I don’t think people in my position can win publicly — your words are often used against you — so the less I say I generally think, the better.”
