The Boston Red Sox had a roller coaster of a season, with the blockbuster trade of franchise slugger Rafael Devers well before the trade deadline, followed by a surprising surge in the standings and then a wild card playoff bout with the rival New York Yankees.
Now the team faces some important roster decisions as it looks to build on that playoff berth with a deeper run next year.
First and foremost, the Red Sox will have to decide whether they want to match competing offers for All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman, who will be opting out of the final two years of his deal. Though the price to retain Bregman might be high, many fans are surely hoping the Red Sox will find a way to make it happen, as is at least one of his teammates.
“You saw the impact that he had on this organization on the field, off the field, leadership-wise,” Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story said of Bregman, per Chris Cotillo of MassLive. “He helped us get to where we are today and hopefully, we can keep him for a long time.”
After joining the Red Sox following nine career seasons with the Houston Astros, Bregman slashed .273/.360/.462 while being lauded as a clubhouse leader. Perhaps most importantly, he maintained his nine-year consecutive streak of playing in the postseason.
Now Story, who faces his own opt out decision after a resurgent season, is left to hope the Red Sox can negotiate a new deal that works for everyone. Either way, he sent a three-word message on playing with Bregman this past season.
“It was special,” Story said, according to Cotillo.
Though the Red Sox might not be able to expect as much of a rollercoaster in any future seasons with Bregman, they will be hoping for a return to the playoffs if they’re able to re-sign him.
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