Alex Bregman signing turns Red Sox from pretenders to contenders originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The Boston Red Sox are no longer content with mediocrity.
Wednesday’s signing of All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman to a three-year, $120 million contract – which includes deferred money and opt-outs after each season – confirmed the Craig Breslow-led front office isn’t all talk. They’ve mentioned their desire to add a right-handed bat and improve their infield defense ad nauseam all offseason. They killed two birds with one stone by bringing Bregman on board.
In addition to his reliable bat and Gold Glove, Bregman adds a much-needed winning pedigree to a clubhouse that’s largely unfamiliar with winning in October. The soon-to-be 31-year-old played a starring role in two World Series titles with the Houston Astros. He helped Houston to seven consecutive American League Championship Series and four World Series appearances from 2017-23. Boston has clinched a playoff berth just once since winning it all in 2018.
When the offseason began, it would have been laughable to suggest a successful Red Sox winter would hinge on Bregman. Starting pitching was the priority, and the pipe dream of Juan Soto in Boston overshadowed any talk about other non-pitchers on the market.
Breslow and Co. addressed the pitching side by trading for Chicago White Sox southpaw Garrett Crochet, then signing longtime Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Walker Buehler, veteran relievers Aroldis Chapman and Justin Wilson, and reclamation project Patrick Sandoval to short-term contracts. While each carries some risk, their collective upside is undeniable.
Although there’s still room for improvement in the bullpen, the roster suddenly resembles a club capable of competing for a playoff spot. Perhaps they’d flirt with postseason contention without Bregman, just as they did in 2024 when they finished five games back of the third wild card. But their odds have skyrocketed upon adding him to the mix.
In fact, FanGraphs has the Red Sox’ odds of making the playoffs jumping more than 10 percentage points from 45.3 to 56.1 percent — from pretender to contender.
Why such a significant difference? On the offensive side, Boston finally has a lineup that can strike fear in opposing pitchers. Jarren Duran, Bregman, Rafael Devers, and Triston Casas as the 1-4 is nothing to scoff at — especially considering Bregman’s incredible career numbers at Fenway.
And if Trevor Story stays…