At Comerica Park, Alex Bregman finally took the field in a Red Sox uniform after an offseason filled with excitement and mystery.
Even though the Tigers have done OK this season without the All-Star third baseman, the end-of-the-offseason plot twist to free agency has not been forgotten in Detroit.
Reiterating his comments from Spring Training, Bregman stated Monday afternoon, “Obviously, I was really close [to signing].” However, I decided to come here [to the Red Sox], and I’ve been thrilled to be here and have had a great time hanging out with my colleagues. It goes without saying that they have a fantastic ballclub there, winning the American League and playing really well. They can bat, pitch, and play defense. We have a lot on our plate with this series.
When he lined out to center field, the Tigers fans’ booing of Bregman during his first at-bat swiftly gave way to applause.
From the beginning of Spring Training until the Winter Meetings in early December, Bregman and the Tigers were associated. According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, Detroit offered the biggest contract offer at six years and $171.5 million, but Bregman chose Boston’s three-year, $120 million contract with opt-outs after the first and second years because it had a higher average yearly value.
Bregman described the Tigers’ recruiting as attractive.
He remarked, “I just think they have a good ballclub.” “Obviously, I wanted to go somewhere where I had a chance to win, and as I feel we do here, those are the teams I spoke with during free agency, the teams I thought had the potential to win both this year and for a long time. Similar to how I’ve known [Boston manager Alex Cora] for a long time here, I think they have a pretty fantastic team and an obviously amazing manager.
I am aware of the talent present in the room. I was aware of the caliber of talent present. We also spoke with the Chicago Cubs, who have a lot of skill. And, yes.
Naturally, A.J. Hinch, who managed him for the first four seasons of his career in Houston, was the first manager he named.
“He taught me to play hard, play smart, know what you’re good at and lean into that,” Bregman said. “He also taught me to stay even-keeled throughout the year, compete your tail off, and maximize what you’re good at.”
The Tigers supporters’ response to the Red Sox’s visit had been expected since Bregman’s decision to join Boston. Although the crowd response would not be unprecedented, Bregman said that he was “kind of” shocked to see a bunch of Detroit journalists waiting for him in the visiting clubhouse on Monday.
Bregman remarked, “It’s probably comparable to the one I’ve received here over the past six years.” “It is what it is. It is a component of it. To be quite honest, I’m thrilled to be able to play baseball at this level and against such a fantastic club.
Hinch claimed to comprehend the fan’s response.
“I understand. There is a sentimental connection to public discussions or activities,” he stated. “It is what it is. I am not sure whether Alex Bregman has not been jeered at an opponent stadium. He won’t mind, but our supporters will back the Tigers, as they ought to.
Bregman displayed a certain amount of tact when he was questioned if the jeers would be justified as a perceived jab at Detroit.
Regarding his choice, Bregman stated, “It was not a diss of Detroit.” “I decided to play for the Boston Red Sox, and I’m thrilled to be here representing this team.”
In response to a question about whether Detroit would still be an option for him in the future given the opt-outs in his contract, Bregman recited a few lines from his former manager.
Bregman stated, “I’m trying to compete and concentrate on winning games this season and winning the game today. I’m focused on where my feet are right now.”
