Despite a successful first season with the Boston Red Sox, Alex Bregman opted out of the remaining two years on his contract. Most fans and experts foresaw Bregman’s opt-out and expected him to take to the free agent market again in search of a longer deal, but many fans remain in disbelief that the veteran would risk losing so much money.

Regardless of the differing stances on Bregman’s opt-out decision, most fans could do without the anxiety of another will they, won’t they offseason from he and Boston. Some have argued that the Red Sox shouldn’t bring him back at all due to his asking price.

Red Sox TV and radio commentator, Lou Merloni, disagreed during a December 3 appearance on NESN. The former infielder listed several elements of Bregman’s game that stood out in his first (and potentially last) season with the Red Sox as reasons why they should re-sign him.

“…I have great respect for Alex Bregman and I was expecting big things for him. He went well beyond what I thought he could bring to a baseball team, in terms of leadership. And I’m a firm believer that this team needs more grown-ups, they need more veterans,” Merloni said.

“Everyone keeps saying, ‘you just want to give the guy $150 million because he’s an extra coach and a leader.'” No, because I like defense, I like contact, I like 20-25 home run guys. If I can put a team together with those three qualities, I’m gonna win a lot of games.”

Lou Merloni defends Alex Bregman, says Red Sox need veterans amid fan criticismEmpty heading

Bregman’s presence as a leader in the Sox’s clubhouse is well established after he worked alongside their top prospects. Bregman was one of the most senior players on Boston’s roster last season, and his advice and World Series-winning pedigree went a long way.

Many of the fans who don’t want to bring Bregman back were disappointed by his first year with the Red Sox. The third baseman sustained a quad injury in late May that kept him on the sidelines for about six weeks and at less than 100% health for a few more weeks after his return. Bregman’s offense suffered as a result — he batted .298/.380/.546 in the first half of the season before his injury and .250/.341/.386 in the second half.

The history doesn’t lie, though. Bregman is the best all-around third baseman available on the free agent market, and Boston traded Rafael Devers to the Giants last season for an all-around upgrade. Bregman still plays stellar defense, his playoff experience is unrivaled by anyone else on the team and his consistency at the plate (in a normal, healthy season) could be just the balance the Red Sox’s batting order needs to kick the streakiness from 2025.

Re-signing Bregman, alone won’t be enough to improve upon last year’s Red Sox team. Boston needs Bregman at his best and a home run hitter like Pete Alonso or Kyle Schwarber to get where it needs to be to compete with the slugging Yankees and Blue Jays. Even on a $150 million contract, signing Bregman is a great start to the Red Sox’s journey back to consistent playoff appearances.