The collective mindset of the Boston Red Sox doesn’t always reach a flawless consensus on the team’s desired actions. That is, of course, unless David Ortiz is requesting it.
A three-time World Series winner, Hall of Famer, and one of the most clutch athletes ever, Ortiz is certainly on the Red Sox’s all-time Mount Rushmore. Although he stepped down in 2016, he remains deeply integrated into the essence of the organization.
Ortiz recognizes what we all perceive: this Red Sox squad is nearly prepared to compete for the playoffs, yet one essential component is lacking. He expressed his thoughts on what he wishes the front office will do before Opening Day to tackle that problem.
On Saturday, Ortiz conveyed a straightforward message to the Red Sox: invest whatever is necessary to acquire one more powerful hitter.
“There are still a few players we can pursue, and I believe our front office is quite strong,” Ortiz stated during an NESN appearance. “Creating a solid lineup these days is not very challenging.” All you need to do is create some rain, and then you can choose a few guys. On the contrary, now pitching is the most challenging task to assemble.
We have pitching. Strong pitching can consistently halt effective offenses. The playoff features a pitching (staff) we have at the moment. We set up a few powerful hitters in the order to support (Rafael Devers) and the others — one strong bat would suffice.”
Ortiz and NESN host Tom Caron both clearly suggested at the conclusion of the interview who that powerful hitter might be: former Houston Astros All-Star Alex Bregman. Manager Alex Cora indicated earlier in the day that Bregman would be an ideal addition to Boston.
Bregman may not match Ortiz, but he does hold one advantage: the all-time OPS record at Fenway Park. He has a staggering 1.245 average in 98 plate appearances in Boston over his career.
When David Ortiz requests something, the Red Sox typically should consider complying. It appears he desires Bregman. Will that change the situation in the suites at Fenway?
Boston Red Sox skipper Alex Cora understands quite a bit about defense in the middle infield. He is also familiar with a thing or two regarding Alex Bregman.
Prior to his time with the Red Sox, Cora served as Bregman’s bench coach for the Houston Astros, observing him make a huge impact in 2017 and assist Houston in securing their first World Series championship.
With Bregman being a free agent, Cora appears to have a firm stance on how well he would fit with the Red Sox.
Bregman has played as a third baseman throughout his career, while Rafael Devers currently holds that position in Boston. However, Cora is convinced that if his Red Sox were to acquire the two-time American League All-Star, he could seamlessly step into the second base role.
“Alex was a Gold Glove winner at third base.” “We’re all aware of that,” Cora stated on NESN Saturday. “However, in 2017, I spoke with him, and he required playing third since (Carlos) Correa was at shortstop and (Jose) Altuve was at third.” “I have always imagined Alex as a Gold Glove second baseman.”
His stature, the manner in which he moves, it gave off the impression of, ‘You are meant to be a second baseman.’ However, he has performed at an impressive level at third base. We’ll find out where he concludes and where he plays.
Cora didn’t explicitly mention that the Red Sox were looking at Bregman, but they would probably be the sole team interested in changing him to a second baseman among the potential candidates at this point.
Bregman, 30, is said to be pursuing a $200 million deal during free agency, but he appears to be struggling to locate one. Cora mentioned in an interview last week that he envisions the Red Sox making a significant late offseason signing, similar to J.D. Martinez in 2018.
Is there a possibility for the Red Sox and Bregman to reach an agreement? We’ll have to wait and see how things unfold, but it appears evident that Cora is fervently advocating for it.
