Best Red Sox Players of The 2000s

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Best Red Sox Players of the 2000s: Heroes of Boston’s Golden Era

The 2000s were a transformative decade for the Boston Red Sox, marked by the breaking of the infamous “Curse of the Bambino” with their historic 2004 World Series win. This decade saw the emergence of iconic players who not only brought glory to Fenway Park but also became legends in the annals of baseball history. 

These players exhibited outstanding performances, clutch plays, and unforgettable moments that defined an era of Red Sox dominance. Here’s a look at the best Red Sox players of the 2000s, ranked for their contributions and impact on the team’s success.

#10: Jonathan Papelbon (2005 – 2011)

Position: Closer
Height/Weight: 6’4″, 225 lbs

Jonathan Papelbon was one of the most dominant closers in baseball during his tenure with the Boston Red Sox from 2005 to 2011. Known for his fiery demeanor and ice-cold nerves in high-pressure situations, Papelbon quickly became a fan favorite and a key figure in the Red Sox bullpen.

One of his most iconic moments came during Game 4 of the 2007 World Series against the Colorado Rockies. Tasked with preserving a slim lead in the final inning, Papelbon struck out the side, securing the final out and clinching the Red Sox’s second World Series title in four years. His ferocious fist pumps and intense focus in those final moments encapsulated the passion and determination that defined his career.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 2007 World Series Champion
• 5x All-Star
• 219 saves with a 1.85 ERA during his time in Boston

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#9: Tim Wakefield (1995 – 2011)

Position: Pitcher
Height/Weight: 6’2″, 210 lbs

Tim Wakefield was a stalwart in the Boston Red Sox pitching rotation, known for his signature knuckleball that baffled hitters for nearly two decades. His longevity and versatility made him a cornerstone of the Red Sox staff from 1995 to 2011, where he served as both a starter and a reliever.

Wakefield’s most iconic moment came during Game 3 of the 2004 American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the New York Yankees. With the Red Sox down 0-3 in the series, Wakefield stepped up in extra innings to pitch three crucial scoreless frames, keeping Boston’s hopes alive in what would eventually become a historic comeback.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 2x World Series Champion (2004, 2007)
• Red Sox All-Time Leader in Innings Pitched (3,006)
• 186 career wins with the Red Sox

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#8: Johnny Damon (2002 – 2005)

Position: Center Fielder
Height/Weight: 6’2″, 205 lbs

Johnny Damon was the spark plug at the top of the Red Sox lineup during his time in Boston, known for his speed, grit, and ability to get on base. As a key member of the 2004 World Series-winning team, Damon’s contributions were pivotal in breaking the 86-year championship drought.

One of Damon’s most iconic moments came in Game 7 of the 2004 ALCS against the Yankees. He hit two home runs, including a grand slam, completing the historic comeback from a 0-3 series deficit.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 2004 World Series Champion
• .295 batting average with 73 home runs during his tenure with Boston
• 98 stolen bases with the Red Sox

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#7: Kevin Youkilis (2004 – 2012)

Position: First Baseman / Third Baseman
Height/Weight: 6’1″, 220 lbs

Kevin Youkilis, affectionately known as “The Greek God of Walks,” was known for his patience at the plate, defensive versatility, and intense competitive spirit. Playing both first and third base during his Red Sox career, Youkilis was a crucial part of Boston’s lineup.

Youkilis’s most iconic season came in 2008, when he hit .312 with 29 home runs and 115 RBIs, finishing third in the AL MVP voting.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 2x World Series Champion (2004, 2007)
• 3x All-Star
• 2007 Gold Glove Award winner

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#6: Dustin Pedroia (2006 – 2019)

Position: Second Baseman
Height/Weight: 5’9″, 175 lbs

Dustin Pedroia, one of the most beloved players in Red Sox history, was known for his tenacity, leadership, and ability to come through in the clutch. Despite his smaller stature, Pedroia played with unmatched intensity and was a key contributor to Boston’s success throughout his career.

Pedroia’s breakout year came in 2007, when he won the AL Rookie of the Year and helped lead the Red Sox to a World Series title. The following year, he was named AL MVP after hitting .326.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 2007 Rookie of the Year
• 2008 AL MVP
• 3x World Series Champion
• 4x Gold Glove Award winner

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#5: Jason Varitek (1997 – 2011)

Position: Catcher
Height/Weight: 6’2″, 230 lbs

Jason Varitek, known as “Tek,” was the heart and soul of the Boston Red Sox during his time with the team. As the captain and a rock behind the plate, Varitek provided leadership both on and off the field, guiding the pitching staff and delivering in key moments.

Varitek’s most iconic moment came in 2004 during a heated game against the Yankees, when he famously stood up to Alex Rodriguez, symbolizing Boston’s determination to break the curse.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 2x World Series Champion (2004, 2007)
• 3x All-Star
• 2005 Gold Glove Award winner

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#4: Curt Schilling (2004 – 2007)

Position: Pitcher
Height/Weight: 6’4″, 235 lbs

Curt Schilling was a crucial addition to the Red Sox in 2004, bringing experience, grit, and a proven track record in the postseason. Known for his fierce competitiveness and ability to rise to the occasion in big games, Schilling played a pivotal role in Boston’s success.

His most iconic moment came in Game 6 of the 2004 ALCS—the “Bloody Sock” game—where he pitched through an ankle injury, helping Boston stave off elimination.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 2x World Series Champion (2004, 2007)
• 2x All-Star
• 2004 ALCS “Bloody Sock” hero

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#3: Pedro Martinez (1998 – 2004)

Position: Pitcher
Height/Weight: 5’11”, 170 lbs

Pedro Martinez is widely regarded as one of the greatest pitchers of all time, and his years with the Boston Red Sox were nothing short of spectacular. Known for his electric fastball, pinpoint control, and fierce competitiveness, Martinez dominated hitters throughout his career.

One of his most iconic moments came in the 1999 All-Star Game at Fenway Park, where he struck out five of the six batters he faced, earning MVP honors.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 2x Cy Young Award winner (1999, 2000)
• 4x All-Star with the Red Sox
• 1999 All-Star Game MVP

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#2: Manny Ramirez (2001 – 2008)

Position: Left Fielder
Height/Weight: 6’0″, 225 lbs

Manny Ramirez was one of the most feared hitters in baseball during his time with the Boston Red Sox. Known for his prodigious power and clutch hitting, Ramirez was a key figure in Boston’s lineup throughout the 2000s.

Ramirez’s most iconic moment came in the 2004 World Series, where he hit .412 with a home run, helping the Red Sox capture their first championship in 86 years.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 2004 World Series MVP
• 7x All-Star with the Red Sox
• 6x Silver Slugger Award winner

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#1: David Ortiz (2003 – 2016)

Position: Designated Hitter
Height/Weight: 6’3″, 230 lbs

David Ortiz, affectionately known as “Big Papi,” is not only one of the greatest players in Boston Red Sox history but also one of the most clutch hitters in MLB history. Known for his powerful bat and ability to deliver in the biggest moments, Ortiz was the face of the Red Sox during his time with the team.

Ortiz’s most iconic moments include his walk-off hits in the 2004 ALCS against the Yankees, helping the Red Sox complete their historic comeback from a 0-3 series deficit.

Notable Accomplishments:

2013 World Series MVP

3x World Series Champion (2004, 2007, 2013)

10x All-Star