Change is Coming to Boston! Red Sox Star Faces Uncertain Future
The Boston Red Sox put some American League teams on notice with their signing of star free-agent infielder Alex Bregman to a three-year, $120 million deal.
After nine years with the Houston Astros, the 30-year-old third baseman chose the nine-time World Series champions over offers from Houston (six years, $156 million), the Detroit Tigers (six years, $171.5 million), and Chicago Cubs (four years, $120 million), according to Fox Sports’ Ben Verlander.
A two-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion, Bregman isn’t just a big bat in the middle of Boston’s lineup, his presence could also shake up what the team’s infield looks like.
MLB.com’s Ian Browne recently dove into how Bregman’s addition affects the rest of the Red Sox lineup, which could mean a position change for one of the team’s top stars, Rafael Devers.
“The best reason for having Devers switch positions is so that the team’s best defensive third baseman (Bregman) would be the one playing at that position,” Browne wrote. “But it’s not the only potential plus. Moving Devers away from the hot corner could also take less of a toll on his body. Devers played through discomfort in both of his shoulders last season and his offense was hampered significantly for the final two months of the season.
“The Red Sox were pressed numerous times this winter about the possibility of taking Devers off the hot corner. Each time chief baseball officer Craig Breslow or Cora was asked about it, they said they would discuss the move with Devers before revealing any such plans to the media.”
The possibility of switching positions isn’t being sprung on Devers.
Manager Alex Cora even told reporters after signing Bregman that Devers, a three-time All-Star, was approached about moving away from third base to accommodate Boston’s newly acquired star.
“We’ve been talking about everything from what are we trying to accomplish roster wise to what we need to accomplish for him,” Cora said. “And I think right now, the main thing is not positions or additions or whatever. It’s for him to have a healthy camp. He had a good offseason as far as the shoulder. He’s in a good spot.”
Bregman hit .260 last season with 26 home runs, 75 RBIs and a slugging percentage of .453 across 145 games. He’s hit 20 or more home runs in five of his last seven seasons and 70 or more RBIs in six of the last eight.
