Actress Mae West once quipped, “Flattery will get you everywhere.” The Boston Red Sox are hoping that rings true as they try to recruit free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman.
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Red Sox manager Alex Cora has been “effusive” in his praise for Bregman, leveraging their past connection from Cora’s time coaching with the Astros. While Cora must tread carefully with his comments, his positive remarks could play a role in the Red Sox’s recruiting strategy. Rob Bradford of WEEI also reported that Boston may now prioritize Bregman after Juan Soto signed with the Mets.
Bregman had a strong bounce-back year after a slow start in 2024. Over 634 plate appearances, he posted a .260/.315/.453 slash line, belting 26 home runs and 30 doubles. He also earned his first Gold Glove Award for his stellar defense at third base.
From a baseball perspective, Bregman makes a lot of sense for the Red Sox. Their lineup is loaded with left-handed hitters, including first baseman Triston Casas, third baseman Rafael Devers, outfielders Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu, and designated hitter Masataka Yoshida. Bregman would add much-needed balance to the lineup.
The real question, however, is where he would play. Devers, a three-time All-Star, has been entrenched at third base, but his defensive struggles—leading the AL in errors at third since 2018—have raised questions. Sean McAdam of MassLive.com reported that the Red Sox may consider moving Devers off third base, depending on offseason trades or signings. Meanwhile, Nightengale noted that Bregman would be open to shifting to second base if needed. Regardless, the Red Sox are determined to find a way to get Bregman into their lineup.
