The Boston Red Sox have been the most dominant team in baseball this season, compiling a league-best 107-52 record and clinched the AL East for the third consecutive year. This unprecedented success on the field makes Boston an undeniable favorite heading into the postseason, and has directly translated to their overall ticket sales.
According to Ticket Club data, the Sox scored the highest regular season ticket sales across the league and heading into October, they currently lead the pack in terms of early playoff sales. Of the five American League teams with a playoff berth, the Red Sox claim the biggest piece of the pie, having earned nearly 40 percent of all postseason ticket sales thus far. However, where the Red Sox lead, the Yankees inevitably follow. The Bronx Bombers are hot on Boston’s heels with 34 percent of AL postseason sales, with many presuming that the Yanks will prevail in a Wild Card match-up against Oakland to set up a divisional series meeting against their biggest rival. Reigning World Series champs Houston make up roughly a quarter of AL postseason sales.
Millions of Boston’s faithful fans are hoping that the third time’s the charm for the Red Sox, who fell in the ALDS the last two seasons. The last time they claimed the pennant was in 2013, when they eventually went on to win the franchise’s eighth World Series title. If they are to go all the way again, now may be their best shot.
Boston’s offense has been red-hot and currently lead the MLB in runs (855), batting average (.268), RBIs (810) and extra-base hits (.564), in addition to their franchise-record 107 wins and counting. Bolstered by strong hitting from Andrew Benintendi, Xander Bogaerts, J.D. Martinez and likely MVP candidate Mookie Betts, the Sox have been consistently solid at the bat. On the mound, Chris Sale, David Price and Craig Kimbrel produce magic that only adds to Boston’s winning formula. This powerhouse combination has filled the seats of Fenway Park all season, making the Red Sox the best-selling MLB team across the secondary ticket market, a trend that is still going strong as the playoffs loom.
In the National League, things are a bit tighter as the race for playoff spots reaches its final lap. The Cubs pulled the NL’s most regular season revenue and the highest average ticket prices at just over $82. However, it’s the NL East powerhouse Braves that fare best when it comes to early fan belief for a strong postseason run. Atlanta leads the way in playoff sales with 34 percent while the Milwaukee Brewers punched their ticket into the playoffs and scrounged up nearly 20 percent of sales. Lower figures understandably surround the Cubs, Cardinals, Rockies and Dodgers as they still face uncertainty in the hunt for October.
As the MLB season winds down, we’ll continue to monitor these trends as an indicator of who might be the most in-demand team searching for a World Series title. Find tickets for all MLB Playoff games here.