What Makes Alex Bregman ‘Great Leader?’ New (And Old) Teammate Explains

Red Sox infielder Abraham Toro has a greater perspective when it comes to Alex Bregman, who reportedly is joining Boston on a three-year deal.

Toro, who signed a minor league deal with the Red Sox this offseason, already shared a clubhouse with Bregman in Houston (2019-21). Their time together with the Astros presented Toro with a front-row seat to Bregman both on the field and in the clubhouse.

“He’s just a great leader,” Toro told NESN’s Tom Caron in Fort Myers, Fla., on Thursday morning. “I don’t think nobody likes baseball more than that guy. He’s always thinking about baseball and always talking about hitting, and he’s a good guy to have around.”

Bregman reportedly turned down offers from the Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs and Astros before agreeing to a three-year, $120 million deal with Boston. The veteran infielder clearly wanted to play for the Red Sox, especially given his eye-popping success at Fenway Park.

“I first talked to him when I got to the big leagues, and right away, I was his locker mate,” Toro told Caron. “He would see me sometimes looking at video, and without me asking, he would talk about pitchers and strategy. He’s always thinking about baseball.”

Bregman’s resume features a pair of World Series championships and Gold Glove Award in 2024. But those feats aren’t the only reasons he entered the offseason as one of the top free-agent targets for the Red Sox.

The 30-year-old infielder is a vocal veteran who can lead the Red Sox. Given the franchise has one of the most talented farm systems in baseball with younger players nearing the big leagues, Boston could greatly benefit from such guidance.

Toro knows Bregman provides that as much as anyone.