Alex Bregman, recently departed from the Boston Red Sox, made a pointed choice as he shared a photo signaling his new chapter with the Chicago Cubs. The former Red Sox third baseman posted a collage featuring himself alongside Rafael Devers, another ex-Boston player whose exit from the team was also abrupt and controversial, highlighting the shared difficulties both faced leaving the Red Sox organization.
Bregman’s post, captioned “Baseball Time ⚾️🌵💪,” included eight images and only one featured him with another MLB star, emphasizing the bond amid their recent moves. Both players were once expected to anchor Boston’s hot corner for years, but ultimately found themselves in the National League after fraught departures from the Red Sox.
Background on Bregman and Devers’ Boston Tenure
Rafael Devers initially signed Boston’s largest contract but was shifted off third base when the team acquired Bregman on a three-year, $120 million deal containing two opt-out clauses beginning in 2025. The relationship between Devers and the Red Sox soured, eventually leading to his trade, which sparked harsh remarks exchanged between Devers and the team.
In turn, Bregman appeared as the natural successor to Devers at third base, but negotiations between him and Boston faltered in free agency. Bregman then signed a five-year, $175 million contract with the Cubs, marking another contentious exit.
Negotiation Drama Surrounding Bregman’s Exit
The process behind Bregman’s departure was marked by conflict, with the ex-Boston catcher A.J. Pierzynski describing the Red Sox’s handling of contract talks as a source of frustration. On his show Foul Territory, Pierzynski said,
“It made Alex a little bit mad they would not move. So then the Red Sox were like, ‘OK, take it or leave it.’ They will not budge.”
Despite Boston later improving their offer to five years at $165 million, the damage was done. According to Pierzynski,
“Bregman was already one, mad, and two, had a higher offer and the more they tried to stretch it out, the longer and further down the road the deferrals got. So Bregman’s like, ‘I’m getting more money in a shorter amount of time, I’m going to the Cubs.’”
Boston’s Reaction and Bregman’s Response
The Red Sox organization did not take Bregman’s departure lightly, with team president Sam Kennedy attributing the fallout to the player himself. Kennedy stated,
“If Alex Bregman wanted to be here, ultimately he’d be here.”
Bregman, however, refrained from engaging with these remarks in interviews, maintaining silence in discussions with USA Today.
Instead, Bregman’s social media post featuring Devers may speak volumes about his sentiments regarding the experience with Boston. Both players now face the challenge of proving their worth in new environments after exits filled with contention.
The Future for Bregman, Devers, and Boston
Alex Bregman is poised to bolster the Cubs’ efforts to surpass the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central division. Meanwhile, the Red Sox have moved on, acquiring former Yankee Caleb Durbin to take over third base responsibilities after trading for him from Milwaukee.
This chapter highlights the turbulent state of the Red Sox roster at the hot corner, reflecting broader difficulties in managing marquee players and free agency negotiations. The outcome of these moves will impact both Boston’s competitiveness and Bregman’s legacy as he embarks on his next phase in Chicago.
Alex Bregman became frustrated with the Red Sox because they were unwilling to meet his market after their initial offer, says @AJPierzynski12.
The Red Sox then refused to believe Bregman's camp when they told them they had a better offer on the table. pic.twitter.com/cm8SlliYd1
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) January 12, 2026
