As addressed in my previous Juan Soto article, one of the reasons why the Red Sox were better off not signing that generational talent is that the team’s lineup is predominantly left-handed. The Sox have a clear need to sign a right-handed bat to balance out the lineup. Well, according to ESPN, the Red Sox are expected to sign two-time all-star third baseman, Alex Bregman, currently with the Astros.
Recently, Red Sox ownership has been unwilling to dish out long-term contracts to free agents and its own players (most notably, Mookie Betts), but one of the team’s homegrown players who did agree to a long-term extension just last season is third baseman, Rafael Devers, who signed an 11-year, $331 million contract.
You may ask, why would the Red Sox be in the market for a third baseman if they just extended Rafael Devers? Well, one of the reasons is that while Devers is one of the best young hitters in the Major Leagues, he is one of the worst defensive third basemen.
"Devers is maybe the worst defensive third basemen in the game, rating no better than minus-5 defensive runs saved in a full 162-game season. He’s also led the American League in errors at third base every year since 2018."Mike Axisa, CBS Sports
Compare that to Bregman who won the American League’s Gold Glove award (given to the best fielder at his position in each league) this past year. He clearly presents a tremendous upgrade over Devers. Offensively, Bregman is no slouch either. This past year, Bregman hit .260 with 26 home runs while driving in 75 runs.
Bregman’s value cannot solely be measured based on his on-the-field statistics and accolades.
"I think with Alex Bregman and his leadership, what he provides in the locker room, they clearly understand that the rarity of being in four World Series, being in the postseason eight years in a row and him being the centerpiece of that…"Scott Boras, Agent
If the Red Sox were to sign Bregman, Devers would most likely move to Designated Hitter, so he could stick to what he excels at–hitting the baseball. This could very well change, though, if any of the rumors surrounding Craig Breslow trading away first baseman, Triston Casas, for a starting pitcher, come to fruition.
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