Yankees manager Aaron Boone acknowledged the Red Sox’s offseason moves, including the addition of Alex Bregman, as a significant upgrade to their roster.
Alex Bregman haunted the Yankees in multiple Octobers as a key figure in the Houston Astros’ postseason dominance. Now, he joins their historic rivals in Boston.
Bregman, a two-time All-Star and former Gold Glove Award winner, signed a three-year, $120 million contract with the Red Sox, adding another dangerous bat to their lineup. Yankees manager Aaron Boone took notice.
Boone on Bregman and the Red Sox
“They’ve had a strong offseason,” Boone said Thursday. “We saw their talent and athleticism last year. From what I can see now, they’re assembling a really competitive team.”
Boston finished third in the AL East last season at 81-81, but the front office wasn’t idle. They fortified their rotation with Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler, then added another impact bat in Alex Bregman, who has a career .848 OPS and two World Series rings.
“The Sox got a good player,” Boone said. “He’s been a really productive hitter and has played in plenty of big games.”
Cole on Facing Bregman
Gerrit Cole, the Yankees’ ace and former teammate of Bregman in Houston, acknowledged the challenge ahead.
“It’s going to be a tough at-bat,” Cole said. “He’s a wonderful hitter, he’ll be a good addition to their lineup. He’s a tough out; been a tough out for a really long time.”
Bregman is expected to shift to second base in Boston, with Rafael Devers staying at third.
Earlier in the offseason, there was speculation about the Yankees pursuing Bregman, but his age—he turns 31 next month—and high asking price made a deal unlikely. His connection to the Astros’ electronic sign-stealing scandal in 2017 also remains a sore spot in the Bronx.
The Yankees’ own third base situation remains unresolved, with DJ LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera, Oswald Peraza, and Jorbit Vivas all in the mix. A platoon system is also being considered.
What’s next?
The Yankees, meanwhile, have stayed relatively quiet. As per The Athletic’s Brendan Kuty, Hal Steinbrenner remains reluctant to push payroll past the highest luxury tax threshold before Opening Day.
Acording to Kuty, a glaring hole remains at third base, but instead of making a splash, the Yankees appear more focused on moving Marcus Stroman and shedding some of the $18 million he’s owed this season before pursuing an upgrade.
Last week, MLB.com’s John Denton reported the Yankees were among the teams that had “re-engaged” with the Cardinals about Nolan Arenado, who has $64 million left on his contract. But on Thursday, Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak told reporters Arenado is “likely going to be a part of our club at this point.”
Stroman hasn’t done the Yankees any favors. He skipped the first two days of spring training without notifying the team of his exact return date, despite living in Tampa. He finally took his physical at George M. Steinbrenner Field on Tuesday, but per league rules, he must be in camp by Feb. 22.
The Yankees’ payroll sits at roughly $304.7 million, per Cot’s Contracts, already exceeding the $302 million luxury tax threshold for 2025. Every dollar over that mark comes with a 110 percent penalty.
As a result, the Yankees appear willing to let their third-base situation play out internally. DJ LeMahieu, now 36 and battling injuries, will compete with former top prospect Oswald Peraza, utility man Oswaldo Cabrera, and minor-leaguer Jorbit Vivas for the job. A platoon remains on the table.
“It’s a great opportunity for someone to grab it,” Boone said Tuesday.
While Bregman’s presence in Boston adds another layer to the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry, Boone’s focus remains on his own club’s preparations for the season ahead.
“We’ll be ready,” Boone said.
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