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What will make this Red Sox season a success?

Boston enters the postseason carrying an 87 or 88 victory total following a final contest against Chicago at Tropicana Field, mirroring last year's third-place divisional finish with 89 wins. As the fifth seed, the club prepares for a three-card opening matchup in the Bronx against New York on Tuesday, attempting to clear a playoff series hurdle for the first time in five seasons.

Physical setbacks hamper the roster once more, highlighted by lingering hand discomfort for Willson Contreras, a severe bicep injury sidelining Mickey Gasper, and Garrett Crochet attempting a bullpen comeback rather than starting at full strength. Leadership rewarded Craig Breslow by extending his options through 2030 and secured Chad Tracy through a three-year agreement despite management facing mounting pressure to advance beyond the opening round.

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