Former LSU Tigers baseball star is instantly at the center of a big MLB controversy with his new team
A long offseason for former LSU Tigers baseball standout Alex Bregman ended earlier this month when he signed a three-year deal worth $120 million with the Boston Red Sox.
Bregman, who spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Houston Astros, is already dealing with a major controversy with his new team — though it’s not the former LSU shortstop’s fault.
The majority of Bregman’s career has been spent at third base, with some appearances at shortstop sprinkled in. The New Mexico native is a plus defender.
Boston, however, has Rafael Devers, a below average defender, at third base. And he’s under contract through the 2033 season.
Devers, who is an elite hitter, told reporters on Monday that he has no plans to move from third base and he doesn’t want to be a full-time DH.
“No. Third base is my position,” said Devers. “It’s what I play. I don’t know what their plans are. We had a conversation. I made it clear on what my desires were. Whatever happens from here, I don’t know.”
When asked if he would be willing to DH full-time, Devers quickly said “no”.
Bregman took reps at third base on Monday morning at spring training.
The obvious solution for Boston is to play Bregman at second base.
Bregman has only played two games at second base in his career, but he should be able to make that transition without much issue considering his extensive experience at shortstop.
The only problem is that Boston has several elite prospects that are close to being ready for the big leagues that can play second base (Kristian Campbell and Marcelo Mayer).
These types of situations in baseball tend to work themselves out via either trade, injury, or performance.
But for now, it’s an awkward start to Bregman’s tenure in Boston.
Bregman, however, has made it clear he’s willing to do whatever is asked of him by the Red Sox.
I would bet on Bregman starting the year at second base, even though sticking him at third base would clearly make the Red Sox a much better team defensively.
