The Boston Red Sox made a major splash last week, signing former Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman to a three-year, $120 million deal to bolster their infield.
While the hefty contract certainly played a role in luring Bregman to Fenway Park, it turns out former Red Sox star Dustin Pedroia was instrumental in convincing him to make the move.
Pedroia, a Boston icon who spent his entire 14-year career with the team, has remained closely connected to the organization since his retirement.
With Bregman potentially shifting from third base to second – a position Boston has struggled to solidify since Pedroia’s career was derailed by injuries – the former MVP made sure to sell Bregman on what it means to play in a Red Sox uniform.
“I honestly just told him the facts. I just spoke to him a few times about Boston and my experiences and how great the people are and the city and how great the fans are,” Pedroia told The Athletic.
“How it’s the best place to play and he would be a huge part going forward if that’s what he wanted.
Pedroia’s legacy in Boston is well-established. A four-time All-Star, he won the AL Rookie of the Year award in 2007 and was named AL MVP in 2008, all while helping lead the Red Sox to three World Series championships.
Since injuries effectively ended his career after 2017, the team has struggled to find a consistent answer at second base.
Bregman arrives in Boston with an impressive résumé of his own.
A two-time All-Star and key contributor to two World Series-winning Astros teams, the 30-year-old brings a proven winning mentality to a Red Sox squad eager to return to postseason contention.
Bregman’s exact role remains uncertain, with manager Alex Cora yet to confirm whether he will play second or stick at third.
That decision could have major implications for Rafael Devers, Boston’s franchise cornerstone at the hot corner.
Devers strongly rejects to becoming a DH and stated that he’s already told Cora and the powers that be that he won’t accept the role. (We’ll see how that plays out.)
Bregman’s signing is just one piece of an aggressive offseason strategy by the Red Sox.
The team also made waves by pulling off a blockbuster trade with the Chicago White Sox for left-handed ace Garrett Crochet, signaling their intent to contend in 2025.
If Bregman can replicate Pedroia’s impact at second base – or simply provide another potent bat in the lineup – his addition could be the key to Boston’s resurgence.
And with Pedroia helping lay the groundwork for his arrival, Bregman already has an understanding of what it takes to succeed in one of baseball’s most passionate markets.
What are your thoughts on the Bregman signing and Pedroia’s role in making it happen???
