The Boston Red Sox may be out of the running for this year’s World Series, but that hasn’t stopped their players and fans from staying front and center in the postseason drama—especially when it comes to their age-old rivals, the New York Yankees. The latest twist in this storied rivalry unfolded not on the diamond, but on social media, where Red Sox pitcher Brayan Bello couldn’t help but take a jab at the Yankees during a pivotal moment in the American League Division Series (ALDS).
On October 8, 2025, the Yankees found themselves in deep trouble at Yankee Stadium, trailing the Toronto Blue Jays by five runs in the third inning of Game 3. As the crowd in the Bronx grew restless and the pressure mounted, Bello took to his Instagram story, posting a simple giggling emoji over a black background. No words were needed—the message was clear. Bello, like many in Red Sox Nation, was relishing the Yankees’ apparent collapse. According to multiple sources, this playful taunt quickly made the rounds among Boston fans, who have long delighted in any sign of Yankee distress.
But baseball, as ever, is a game of momentum and surprises. The Yankees, refusing to go quietly, mounted a stunning comeback. Led by their star outfielder Aaron Judge, New York roared back to win 9-6, staving off elimination and keeping their postseason hopes alive. The victory trimmed the Blue Jays’ series lead to 2-1 and set the stage for a dramatic Game 4, scheduled for October 9, 2025, with Cam Schlittler set to take the mound for the Yankees.
Schlittler’s name is one Red Sox fans won’t soon forget. Just a week prior, in the American League Wild Card Series, Schlittler delivered a performance for the ages, shutting down Boston and ending their playoff run in Game 3. It was a bitter pill to swallow for a franchise that, since 2004, has enjoyed the upper hand in postseason matchups against New York, winning four World Series titles while the Yankees managed only one during that span. As one commentator put it, "The Yankees and Cam Schlittler eliminated the Red Sox in Game 3 of the Wild Card Series after Alex Cora burned through his entire bullpen in a tight-as-hell Game 2."
Bello’s own postseason experience against the Yankees this year was far from his best. In Game 2 of the Wild Card Series, he lasted less than three innings, surrendering two runs on four hits and a walk before being pulled. The Red Sox lost that game by a single run, allowing the Yankees to claw their way back into the series and, ultimately, to advance. For a pitcher who had previously dominated New York during the regular season, it was a humbling moment. As noted in postgame analysis, "Bello owned the Yankees all season—all career, in fact. In the playoffs? He couldn't finish the third frame, barreled up harder than a position player trying out the eephus."
Yet, even as the Red Sox’s postseason dreams faded, their rivalry with the Yankees remained as fierce as ever. Boston fans—many of whom have now thrown their support behind the Blue Jays—watched with bated breath as Toronto threatened to send New York packing. The intensity of the rivalry spilled over into the broadcast booth as well, with former Red Sox legend David Ortiz, now a FOX analyst, taking every opportunity to rib the Yankees alongside colleagues Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez. According to reports, "David Ortiz, FOX studio analyst, along with Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez, have been trolling the Yankees during the series."
The stakes for the Blue Jays couldn’t be higher. If they can clinch the ALDS in Game 4 with a bullpen game, they’ll advance to the American League Championship Series for the first time in nine years—a milestone that would be celebrated not just in Toronto, but throughout Boston as well. Many Red Sox fans, still smarting from their own team’s elimination, have become Blue Jays supporters for the remainder of the postseason. As one article put it, "Many Red Sox fans have become temporary Toronto Blue Jays fans, hoping for the Yankees' elimination."
The Red Sox-Yankees rivalry is one of the most enduring and passionate in all of sports. Even when one team is knocked out, the emotional investment doesn’t fade. This year’s playoff saga has only added new fuel to the fire, with social media providing a stage for players and fans to trade barbs in real time. Bello’s Instagram story was just the latest example—a digital wink that, for a brief moment, united Boston faithful in laughter before the Yankees’ comeback turned the tables. "With the Yankees apparently in the process of being run over by the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 3 of the ALDS, Bello took to his Instagram story to giggle the night away, choosing to side with a different American League East rival. Little did he know that the tables were about to turn, Aaron Judge was about to stave off elimination, and his post was about to look extremely goofy," noted one commentator.
For the Yankees, the win was more than just a lifeline—it was a statement. After years of postseason frustration at the hands of Boston, New York finally struck back, eliminating the Red Sox and keeping their own championship aspirations alive. For Boston, the pain of defeat was compounded by having to watch their rivals celebrate, but the hope that Toronto might deliver a measure of revenge lingers.
Brayan Bello’s journey is far from over. The Dominican right-hander, who debuted with Boston in 2022, has quickly become a fan favorite thanks to his electric fastball and competitive spirit. His willingness to engage in the rivalry—on and off the field—has endeared him to Red Sox supporters, even as his postseason struggles offer a reminder of baseball’s unforgiving nature. "His energetic personality and active participation in the rivalry against the Yankees have made him popular among Boston fans," reads one profile.
As the ALDS continues, all eyes are on the next chapter in this unfolding drama. Will the Yankees complete their comeback and force a decisive Game 5, or will the Blue Jays finally break through and secure their first ALCS berth in nearly a decade? One thing’s for sure: even with the Red Sox out of the picture, their presence—and their passion—can still be felt in every pitch, every play, and every post.
With the rivalry as heated as ever and the postseason stakes at their highest, the baseball world waits to see who’ll get the last laugh. For now, the Yankees are still standing, but as any fan in Boston will tell you, the story is far from over.
