When the Boston Red Sox signed Alex Bregman late in the 2024-25 offseason, they got the right-handed bat they searched for desperately. He also brings another quality the Red Sox have lacked for some time — leadership.
Bregman is a two-time World Series champion, two-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner from his nine years with the Houston Astros. He's been lauded by media, coaches and teammates alike for his attitude in the clubhouse and his guidance of younger players. He's already bringing those skills to the Red Sox.
Boston's spring training squad took a long drive from their home park in Fort Myers to Sarasota to play the Orioles in a Grapefruit League/division rival matchup. Stars of Bregman's caliber usually pass on such long trips, but he convinced the team to let him play. MLB insider Buster Olney appeared on WEEI to discuss his commitment to leadership.
"This is a classic thing with Alex, like we have this game on air tomorrow, Alex was basically lobbying from what I understand, Alex Cora, 'Hey, I want to make a trip with the young guys. I want to make a bus trip with the young guys,’ and talked himself into being the DH," Olney said.
Alex Cora on Alex Bregman asking to go to Sarasota today:
— Ian Browne (@IanMBrowne) March 3, 2025
“We talked about it like two days ago. He’s like, 'I want to go. I want to be around the kids..' Baltimore, too. ESPN [game also], so just kind of give everything to everybody, right?"
Cora also weighed in on Bregman's desire to make the trip to Sarasota.
"We talked about it like two days ago. He’s like, 'I want to go. I want to be around the kids...'" Cora said of the veteran, per Ian Browne of MLB.com.
Alex Bregman joins Red Sox on road trip to spend more time getting to know young players
The Red Sox are quite a young team, with most of their position players limited to a season or two of big league experience. Bregman's reputation as a leader preceded his tenure with Boston, but it sounds like he's relishing his status as the veteran in the room.
The Sox have had leaders in the clubhouse in recent years, but mostly on short-term deals, which keeps the lineup inconsistent. Justin Turner was a valuable presence in Boston's locker room in 2023, but it lacked an experienced position player in 2024. Bregman fills that gap, and he could be with the Red Sox for three seasons to keep the veteran attitude and advice consistent.
Bregman has praised the Sox's top prospects and young core, and his motivation to get to know the team could foreshadow a full, three-year stay in Boston from the infielder. Every player hopes to make the postseason and veterans often take it upon themselves to shepherd young players through their transition to the big leagues, but the early buy-in from Bregman is reassuring and shows comfort with his new club.