It sounds like you’re implying that Boston should be prioritizing a different star infielder—are you thinking of Rafael Devers as the clear long-term focus? Or are you suggesting the Red Sox should make a push for Alex Bregman in free agency?
With only a few weeks left in spring training, it appears the Boston Red Sox have already made up their minds about who will take over third base this season—regardless of Rafael Devers’ feelings on the matter.
As Devers continues recovering from the shoulder discomfort that ended his 2024 season early, Alex Bregman has been making a strong case for himself, batting .385/.412/.692 with a home run and six RBIs in his first five exhibition games while showcasing the defensive skills that earned him a Gold Glove.
However, Bregman isn’t just standing out on the field. From the moment he donned a Red Sox uniform, the two-time All-Star has embraced the role of a veteran leader, setting the tone in the clubhouse. As camp progresses and more of his new teammates rally around him, it’s becoming increasingly clear which star third baseman the Red Sox should prioritize.
Alex Bregman just keeps giving Red Sox more reason to hitch their wagons to him rather than Rafael Devers
Monday was supposed to be a day off for Alex Bregman, with the Red Sox traveling to Sarasota to face the Orioles—a trip over an hour long, one that veterans rarely make in spring training.
Yet, Bregman was there, actively lobbying Alex Cora to put him in the lineup. Not because he had to, but because he didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to play alongside key pieces of Boston’s future.
The Red Sox had all three of their top prospects in the lineup—Kristian Campbell, Marcelo Mayer, and Roman Anthony—and Bregman jumped at the chance to take the field with them. Even if it meant taking some good-natured teasing.
“Marcelo and Roman were giving me a hard time, asking if I even had any gray pants in my locker,” Bregman told MLB.com.
A 90-minute bus ride and a few innings might not seem significant, but it speaks volumes about Bregman’s leadership and commitment to the team. His manager certainly took notice.
“It’s important. He understands what comes with the contract,” Alex Cora said. “People focus on the opt-outs and all that, but he’s all in. He knows these guys are a big part of what we’re trying to do, not just this year but in the future.”
The prospects have noticed, too. While some veterans, like Triston Casas, have kept their distance in camp, Bregman has embraced a mentorship role. It’s clear his young teammates would already go to battle for him.
“Yeah, he’s the man,” Mayer said. “Me and Roman were talking about how veterans don’t usually travel for road games, so we gave him a little crap. And he was like, ‘Dude, I’ll go to the next one. Let’s go hang out on the bus.’”
Compare that to Rafael Devers, who, while understandably behind schedule due to injury, has done little to step up as a clubhouse leader.
Instead of guiding the young core that could help him finally reach the World Series, he’s been more focused on his own interests. It’s no surprise the Red Sox are leaning toward Bregman at third base—and if they’re smart, they’ll do whatever it takes to make this his team.
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