New Red Sox starter Buehler 'made a pitch' to free-agent star Bregman
It hasn't taken Walker Buehler long to start recruiting more talent to the Boston Red Sox.
Buehler, who officially joined the Red Sox on a one-year, $21.05-million contract last week, revealed Friday that he's been talking Boston up to star free-agent infielder Alex Bregman. Buehler and Bregman are longtime friends and recently bought a racehorse together.
"I have certainly made a pitch all over the place for him to come to Boston," Buehler said during his introductory news conference with Red Sox media, according to Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald. "He and I have been buddies for a long time, we played on Team USA a little bit in college."
Bregman feels like something of a natural fit for the Red Sox: He's a right-handed-hitting infielder with power and could help balance a lefty-heavy lineup. With Rafael Devers entrenched at the hot corner, Bregman would likely have to shift to second base in Boston, which he's hinted at being willing to do in the right situation.
Playing home games at Fenway Park would also likely hold great appeal to the 30-year-old Bregman, who's a lifetime .375/.490/.750 hitter at the venerable ballpark. He'd also bring significant championship pedigree to the Red Sox, having won two titles with the Houston Astros during that franchise's recent decade of success.
However, it's unclear if the Red Sox and Bregman have had any contract talks, or how serious any pursuit of him may be. Last month, MassLive's Sean McAdam reported that the club's opinions about signing him were divided. Manager Alex Cora - who coached Bregman in Houston earlier in his career - and president Sam Kennedy were said to be in favor, while others, including chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, weren't as keen on him.
The Red Sox would also have to surrender draft-pick compensation to sign Bregman after he rejected Houston's qualifying offer earlier in the offseason.
Bregman's said to be looking for a deal north of $200 million this winter. The Detroit Tigers are reportedly also showing heavy interest in signing last year's AL Gold Glove third baseman.