Red Sox Legend David Ortiz Sends Alex Bregman Message Amid Free Agency

Alex Bregman opted out of the three-year, $120 million deal he signed with the Boston Red Sox last offseason, and he is one of the best free agents on the market. Bregman was an All-Star last season, and David Ortiz would love to see him back in Boston

“My message to him? Please come back,” Ortiz said while laughing with Joey Copponi and Scott Neville on the “ITM Podcast” on Friday. “I love Alex man. I think he’s a great player. He’s got really incredible leadership. One thing I love about him, he’s a team player. I remember last year, when he first joined the team. Even with all the controversy and all the talk going on with Raffy, I came to spring training and I was watching Alex trying to help Raffy out. He always had my respect but that put the cherry on top. What that showed me was, we are here to compete. To help this ballclub win. I want to get better. And everyone loves him around here. He has a great relationship with all of the players and he’s a good player. You can’t argue that.”

Bregman was an All-Star for the first time since 2019. He missed some time with an injury, but in 114 games for the Red Sox, he slashed .273/.360/.462 and hit 18 home runs. His efforts on the field were plenty, but his impact on the clubhouse cannot be overlooked.

Young players and veterans on the team all raved about Bregman’s leadership and commitment to helping those around him. His resurgent season should have teams lined up to make him offers, but Ortiz thinks the Red Sox front office wants to keep him around.

“I think we’re going to have our chances to offer him,” Ortiz continued on the “ITM Podcast.” “I haven’t talked to the front office, but I’m pretty sure they are on the same boat I am. They want to keep him. I’m pretty sure the front office is going to try to make a move.”

Bregman is the best first baseman on the market and has been vocal about how much he has enjoyed playing for the Red Sox. With many teams seemingly in need of help in the hot corner, the Red Sox may have the inside track to signing him.

Spotrac projects Bregman to sign a four-year, $110 million deal this offseason. That would rank eighth among active third baseman contracts in terms of total value. Bregman will be a major investment if the Red Sox can get a deal done, but one that should pay off.

As part of his fundraising efforts, Ortiz is holding a silent auction loaded with priceless items that will be live until Saturday, Nov. 15 at 9:30 p.m. ET. You can also donate to the cause on the David Ortiz Children’s Fund’s website.