The Boston Red Sox may get their most crucial midseason addition without making a single trade.
According to manager Alex Cora, third baseman Alex Bregman, is closing in on a return to the lineup. Bregman has been sidelined since May 24 with a right quad injury. It’s welcome news for a team still adjusting to life after Rafael Devers—and, for some, Bregman’s arrival has always symbolized a changing of the guard.
Bregman Close to Activation
“We’re getting closer for him to join us,” Cora told reporters ahead of Sunday’s series finale against the Giants, per The Boston Globe’s Tim Healey. “I’m not saying it’s going to happen this week or the week after, but it feels like it’s going to be sooner rather than later.”
Bregman last played on May 23 before hitting the injured list with what the team called a “moderate quad strain.” In 51 games before the injury, the former Astros star slashed .299 with 35 RBIs. The new face in Boston posted the kind of steady presence Boston’s lineup sorely needed.
The Red Sox are finishing up a West Coast swing and will soon return home for a six-game homestand at Fenway Park. If Bregman’s rehab continues on schedule, fans may get their first look at him in a Red Sox uniform in Boston—a moment the front office surely hoped would become a rallying point after trading away the franchise’s most recognizable star.
A Symbolic Shift
When the Red Sox acquired Bregman, the move sparked instant debate. Some framed it as a bold pivot, and others viewed it as damage control after Rafael Devers’ surprise trade to the Giants. But for those watching closely, the writing may have been on the wall even before Devers was shipped out.
Bregman, a two-time All-Star with playoff pedigree and a reputation as a fiery clubhouse presence, seemed like a strategic antidote to lingering concerns about Devers’ leadership and long-term fit in Boston. Though the front office publicly supported Devers, whispers of discontent—both with his contract and clubhouse standing—gained steam throughout the spring.
In that context, Bregman’s presence takes on added meaning. He’s not just a veteran stopgap or a rental player. With opt-outs built into his three-year, $120 million deal, and clear interest from other contenders like the Tigers and Cubs, the Red Sox made it clear they want Bregman to be part of their next core, not just a temporary fill-in.
The Post-Devers Blueprint
With Devers gone, Bregman is now the face of Boston’s infield. But he won’t be asked to carry the load alone. Top prospect Roman Anthony is up and showing flashes. Ceddanne Rafaela continues to earn reps across the diamond. And the team’s pitching, for all its inconsistency, has managed to keep them hovering near the AL Wild Card race.
Still, Boston’s path forward hinges on whether Bregman can stay healthy and replicate the impact he had in Houston. If he returns strong, the Red Sox will have a legitimate shot at building something new around him. If not, questions about the Devers trade — and the long-term direction of the franchise — will only grow louder.
For now, though, Cora’s optimism is a small but meaningful signal: the Bregman era in Boston is about to begin.
Red Sox Get Potentially Huge Update on $120 Million Star