The Boston Red Sox are feeling the absence of All-Star slugger Alex Bregman, who left for the Chicago Cubs in free agency. Former MLB GM highlights that the breakup has not benefited either team.
Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman
Former MLB GM Says Red Sox 'Really Miss' All-Star Slugger originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Sometimes, breaking up can be a mistake.
The Boston Red Sox and Alex Bregman parted ways over the winter, with Bregman leaving the Red Sox for the Chicago Cubs in free agency. So far, the move hasn't worked out well for either side.
Boston has struggled without Bregman's bat, glove and indispensable leadership, going 6-9 without the All-Star third baseman. Meanwhile, Bregman has struggled with the Cubs, batting .213/.290/.328 with two home runs and six RBI.
It's been a rough 15 games without each other, but both are showing signs of improvement. The Red Sox have won four of their last five games, while Bregman's hit safely in four of his last five.
However, former MLB GM Jim Bowden thinks Boston still needs another bat to replace Bregman in its lineup, which has scuffled without him.
"The Red Sox really miss third baseman Alex Bregman. They miss his leadership and mentorship of young players but more importantly they miss his presence in the middle of their lineup. Through 15 games, they are averaging just 4.13 runs per game and have hit the third-fewest home runs in baseball (10)," Bowden wrote for The Athletic on Monday (subscription required).
"Iâm not sure theyâre going to get enough offense â specifically from their infield â to get back to the postseason," Bowden continued. "I believe there is pressure on the front office to find another impact bat to help lengthen the lineup, preferably a third baseman."
Bowden's right that the Red Sox's offense has struggled without Bregman and Rafael Devers this season, ranking 17th in runs per game, 28th in home runs and 21st in OPS.
Boston tried to replace Bregman with Caleb Durbin, but he's off to a frigid start, slashing .106/.208/.128 through his first 14 games of the year.
The Red Sox will need to be patient with Durbin, but if his hitting doesn't improve, Bowden suggests they could look to trade for someone like Isaac Paredes, Royce Lewis or Brady House to upgrade at the hot corner and strengthen their lineup.
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Alex Bregman left the Boston Red Sox for the Chicago Cubs during free agency.
Former MLB GM stated that the Red Sox 'really miss' Bregman, indicating his absence has negatively affected the team.
The move to the Cubs has not worked out well for either Bregman or the Red Sox so far this season.
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