How Alex Bregman Changed Red Sox Expectations With Reported Deal

From Alex Cora to Craig Breslow to Sam Kennedy, the Boston Red Sox spoke with conviction at the conclusion of the 2024 season.

Three years of missing the postseason was long enough. Fans had been through enough. The Red Sox needed to act decisively. Not just to put together a team that could sneak into the playoffs, but one that could win the American League East crown and spark a deep run in October.

What did the Red Sox need to do that?

They needed to find an ace to lead the rotation, find pitchers with better stuff in the bullpen and add an impact right-handed bat to balance and improve the lineup.

The Red Sox addressed that first area with a daring trade to get Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox. They also signed a proven winner in Walker Buehler to a one-year deal. Those improvements solidified a starting rotation that now has a higher ceiling and plenty of depth.

In the bullpen, Liam Hendriks is healthy and ready to pitch late in games. Aroldis Chapman still throws flames and is the physical build Cora pleaded for last season. Justin Slaten and Garrett Whitlock have real stuff and both return to the bullpen. They could use one more arm, but there’s more talent among this season’s relievers.

Those moves should push a team that finished 81-81 in 2024 to the brink of potentially earning a playoff spot. They were likely just barely at that point. Then on Wednesday night, the Red Sox reportedly made a move to leap forward in the potential department for 2025 season.

The reported three-year agreement with infielder Alex Bregman significantly raises the ceiling of this team. His postseason pedigree, leadership and production at Fenway Park speak for itself.

Now, the Red Sox are not just on the brink of the postseason. They’re a certified contender.

World Series contenders? Let’s pump the brakes.

However, let’s also be honest: The American League is not invincible.

The Yankees marched to a World Series appearance in 2024 before they fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games. The other teams in the playoff field weren’t exactly intimidating.

The Red Sox still have plenty to prove in a competitive AL East that may just be the second-best division in baseball behind the National League West.

It’s been a few years where the idea of the Red Sox entering the season as division favorite was a true reality. It’s real with Bregman reportedly on his way to Boston.