Alex Bregman Remains Flexible As Red Sox Try To Avoid Competition At Third Base

With Rafael Devers publicly stating that he does not intend to move from third base in 2025, newly signed Boston Red Sox star Alex Bregman is taking a more malleable approach. The longtime Astros third baseman is willing to move to another position, likely second, in order to help his new team.

“I think everybody here believes in their abilities,” Bregman told MLB.com this week. “I think all of us believe that if we all put together a good effort this season, we have a really good chance of being a winning baseball team. For me, I can only talk for myself, I’ll play wherever it helps the team win.”

Signing Bregman to a short-term deal is a low-risk value acquisition for Boston, but the team did not pick him up to address a need. Devers is one of the top sluggers in baseball and has played third for the Red Sox since 2017. 

On paper, Bregman is generally considered a better defender than Devers, which technically makes him more qualified to keep his position. On the other hand, it also makes him more likely to successfully transition to second base. In any case, Devers isn’t budging for now and Bregman is willing to play nice on his new team, and that’s the determining factor. The Red Sox’s infield is crowded, and perhaps tense, but it could also be one of the best in the American League.

Despite leaving the Astros, Bregman could still have a few years of elite production left. At age 30, he is coming off a season in which he hit .260 with 26 home runs, playing an integral role in the Astros’ turbulent run to the postseason. Houston’s dynasty has been on fumes as of late, but even after the season ended in the Wild Card, many players seemed intent on keeping Bregman for the next step. The two sides could not agree on terms, however, forcing the veteran to consider other offers.

The Red Sox have been largely disappointing since winning the World Series in 2018, but acquiring Bregman is a strong sign that the team is looking to compete in 2025. Devers may not be happy with the perceived competition, but Bregman can help this team thrive in a crowded A.L. East division.