Red Sox’s Alex Bregman Offers Early Review of Boston Experience

When the Boston Red Sox signed infielder Alex Bregman to a three-year, $120 million deal this past offseason, it marked the first time he’d be slated to settle in a new destination since the Houston Astros selected him in the 2015 MLB Draft.

Bregman went nine seasons in an Astros uniform as an integral part of their four World Series appearances, which produced two championships. It became almost hard to imagine Bregman playing anywhere else, but despite a deep attachment to the organization — and a six-year, $156 million contract offer from the Astros — Bregman elected to depart and so far, it’s paid off for all sides involved.

Before the Red Sox hosted the Toronto Blue Jays for Wednesday night’s matchup, Bregman explained his early impression of Boston has been, now 12 games into his stint.

“It’s been a good start,” Bregman told MLB Network at Fenway Park. “I feel good. Just trying to get it started early and fast. The last few years started pretty slow, so hopefully, continue to keep it rolling.”

Bregman added: “When it was time to make a decision, I felt like Boston was the place to be, and I’m very happy with how everything has gone. We’re definitely looking forward to a good year this year here in Boston, and I can’t say enough good things about my teammates, the coaches here, the organization. It’s been awesome.”

Red Sox manager Alex Cora, who got his coaching start with the Astros in 2017, reunited with Bregman in the 31-year-old’s decision to join Boston. The arrival began on a somewhat rocky start when the team needed to decide whether to play Bregman or Rafael Devers at third base. Through spring training, that minor dilemma resolved itself, and the excitement that fans have awaited for years has reappeared.

Bregman enters Wednesday night’s game slashing .308/.345/.519 with two home runs, five doubles and 10 RBIs across 55 plate appearances. He already recorded his first Fenway Park long ball, a three-run blast during Sunday night’s 18-7 win over the St. Louis Cardinals, and has helped stabilize the lineup.

The Fenway Park setting was already one in which Bregman has historically succeeded. Before sporting the Red Sox’s threads, Bregman was already a career .375/.490/.750 hitter with seven home runs, nine doubles and 15 RBIs through 21 games. The only real challenge that’s taken a toll on Bregman, the team and the fans in attendance has been the frigid Boston temperatures.

Tuesday night’s 35-degree temperature was the 3rd coldest first pitch temperature recorded at a game at Fenway Park — just falling short of the all-time record (34 degrees) which took place against the Tampa Bay Rays back in 2003.

“I’m getting fully adjusted now and I feel very comfortable here and all the guys have been great, and the coaching staff, the organization, the fans have been awesome,” Bregman said. “I’m just looking forward to continuing to compete with these guys and try and win as many games as we possibly can this year.”

With that being the goal, Bregman and the Red Sox have their work cut out for them.