A Promise Broken

Alex Bregman Celebrating in the Dugout - Getty Images

It's been just about two weeks since the news broke that Alex Bregman would not be returning to the Boston Red Sox. The news broke the sports world. The messaging coming from the front office for the later half of the season and throughout the off season was one of complete confidence. There was no indication ever that the Red Sox would not reach a deal with Bregman. However, there was some indication when he decided to opt out of the remainder of his 3-year contract. That choice was indicative that he was clearly looking for something more, most likely in terms of both length and money. Yet, the messaging coming from the front office remained as it had, Bregman was the top priority. When Craig Breslow and the rest of the front office indicate that Alex Bregman is their top priority in the offseason, a fan expects that something will come. And yet the only thing that came was utter disappointment.

Once again the front office failed to secure their guys and follow through. The number of talented guys who we let walk because we weren’t willing to offer competitive deals is astonishing. You need look no further than key members of the 2018 World Series team. One would think that ownership had learned their lesson and knew when it was time to play ball and offer competitive deals. The messaging from Bregman had been consistent; he loved Boston and was hoping to stay and could see himself raising his family in Boston. In fact his agent said “nobody wants a Bregs-it”. However, they were unable to make a deal happen. It's extremely disappointing. 

I will be the first to say that I still stand by the Devers trade, he was not an asset to the team in any way, and I would bet that he wasn’t a great person to have in the clubhouse. With the trade the team freed up somewhere near 300 million dollars, which everyone assumed would be used to make a competitive offer and secure Bregman. However, it fell through. It's rumored that the Red Sox offered Bregman $165 million for five years. With the Cubs he got a 5-year deal for $175 million, with no opt-outs and a no trade clause. Comparing the two deals it's easy to see what is missing. Bregman wanted the guarantee that he would be in one place for a long time and be able to put down roots and be part of the community. Its understandable why many might have had some reservations about offering a no trade clause. Bregman is 31 and turning 32 in the spring. However, if you look at this from Bregman’s perspective it makes sense why he would want a no trade clause besides the obvious family reasons. Just a few months into Bregman’s own signing with the team, he saw Devers get traded. Someone who some thought would be the next face of the franchise and had just signed a 10 year deal with the Red Sox. The Red Sox should have known the reality. Breslow claiming that he can’t pretend to know what was important to Bregman and his family is just a lie. A main part of his job is to know what players want so that he can make deals that benefit the team and the players. He either did a very poor job or he is lying to the public to save face. 

The reality is this whole situation is a PR nightmare and not to mention the fans. 

The team needed him. In just a single season he became the glue and helped lead us to post-season for the first season since 2021. His talent and leadership will be deeply missed. His absence leaves a hole at third base and a gaping hole in leadership. The team is young and needs good examples and role models to look up to. 

I am not sure who will step in to be our next leader. But I know this – the team will suffer if there is once again a lack of leadership on the field and in the locker room. What will Breslow do to remedy this? I am not sure, but he is running out of time.