Alex Bregman gave the Red Sox exactly what they needed last season - and then some. He was steady, productive, and vocal in all the right ways.
An All-Star and a Silver Slugger finalist, Bregman anchored third base with elite defense while also delivering key at-bats in big moments. Beyond the numbers, his presence in the clubhouse was just as valuable.
He played the role of mentor, offering guidance to Boston’s younger core, and helped steer the team into the postseason.
But in Boston, even that kind of impact doesn’t always buy goodwill.
Some fans are hesitant about bringing Bregman back this offseason. The concerns are clear: he’s heading into his age-32 season, he’s coming off an injury-shortened campaign, and his production dipped in the second half. Add in the likely price tag, and it’s not hard to see why there’s a debate.
Still, those close to the team - including NESN analyst and former Red Sox infielder Lou Merloni - see Bregman’s value differently. On a recent episode of “Boston Has Entered The Chat,” Merloni made a strong case for why Bregman’s leadership and experience are exactly what this Red Sox roster needs.
“I’ve said all year long I have great respect for Alex Bregman and I was expecting big things for him,” Merloni said. “He went well beyond what I thought he could bring to a baseball team in terms of leadership.”
That leadership isn’t just a bonus - it’s a necessity, Merloni argued.
“I’m a firm believer that this team needs more grown-ups. They need more veterans,” he said.
“Young lineups, I don’t think, go very far. I think you need the veterans…you need leaders on a team when you have a very young, talented group.”
It’s a fair point. Boston’s roster is loaded with young talent - promising, but still developing.
Players like Bregman help bridge the gap between raw potential and postseason-ready. His voice in the dugout, his approach at the plate, and his ability to steady the team through the grind of a 162-game season - that’s not easily replaced.
The Red Sox have already made a move to add veteran stability to the pitching staff, signing Sonny Gray to bolster the rotation. That’s a big step.
But there’s still work to be done on the offensive side. Whether that means re-signing Bregman or pursuing another proven bat like Pete Alonso or Kyle Schwarber, the goal is the same: add experience, add leadership, and raise the floor for a team that’s looking to contend.
It’s not just about numbers - it’s about presence. And Bregman, for all the debate, brings plenty of it.