Report: Red Sox TV ratings down by 58%

The Boston Red Sox’s sour season translated into a precipitous fall in television rations, according to a new report by Forbes.

In a comprehensive look at MLB viewership, the report said overall the league saw an 11% decline in ratings, but had a 4.2% increase in viewership.

The biggest ratings drop was by the Red Sox on NESN [...]

The Boston Red Sox’s sour season translated into a precipitous fall in television rations, according to a new report by Forbes.

In a comprehensive look at MLB viewership, the report said overall the league saw an 11% decline in ratings, but had a 4.2% increase in viewership.

The biggest ratings drop was by the Red Sox on NESN — a 58% decline.

The Red Sox didn’t offer much worth watching this season, finishing dead last in the American League East with a 24-36 record.

Speaking to the Boston Herald, Red Sox president Sam Kennedy said the numbers were not a surprise.

"Given our incredibly disappointing season on the field, and that we were out of contention less than halfway through the season, it is no surprise our ratings were way down," he said. "While it is difficult to accurately assess 2020 against traditional seasons, we know that playing competitive and winning baseball is what drives interest. We are committed to adding depth and talent throughout our Major and Minor League rosters to put us in the best position for consistent success as we go forward."

Boston’s miserable showing prompted the team to dismiss manager Ron Roenicke, the former bench coach who was put in charge after the team parted ways with Alex Cora in the wake of MLB’s sign-stealing investigation.