Red Sox Legend Makes Alarming 2026 Prediction After Alex Bregman Exit

Jonathan Papelbon has never been afraid to speak his mind, first as an All-Star closer for the Boston Red Sox and now as a baseball analyst.

After Alex Bregman signed with the Chicago Cubs on Saturday night, Papelbon shared the following message via X on Sunday: “I know when I’m scratching my head over Bregman signing with the Cubs @RedSox nation ain’t happy!”

On Monday, Papelbon joined “Foul Territory” to weigh in on Bregman’s departure. He also made an alarming prediction about where the Red Sox might finish in the standings this year.

“Everyone else, especially Toronto and New York, who are in your division, are spending money,” Papelbon said. “I think the Orioles are gonna bounce back. So to me, it’s gonna be between Tampa Bay and the Red Sox for last place in the division. That’s where I see ’em right now.”

Papelbon’s right to worry about his former team. Boston finished third in the AL East last year with 89 wins, five games behind the Blue Jays and Yankees.

Both of them are still better than the Red Sox, and the Orioles have improved as well after adding Pete Alonso and Taylor Ward. If Boston doesn’t add a big bat like Bo Bichette to replace Bregman, it could be looking at a fourth or fifth-place finish this season.

The Red Sox still have time to improve their roster before Opening Day. If they don’t, however, they risk taking a significant step back from last year.