TAMPA, Fla. – There was no escaping Alex Bregman, who played a starring role in multiple Yankees’ October nightmares against the Houston Astros.
And now, the All-Star infielder’s new home is Fenway Park.
“It’s going to be a tough at-bat,’’ Yankees ace Gerrit Cole said Thursday, after Bregman’s lengthy free agency ended with a new three-year, $120 million contract with the Boston Red Sox.
“He’s a wonderful hitter, he’ll be a good addition to their lineup,’’ said Cole. “He’s a tough out; been a tough out for a really long time.’’
Bregman is slated to play second base for the Red Sox, with Cole’s chief nemesis, Rafael Devers, remaining at third base.
May 28, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman (2) high-fives teammates in the dugout after hitting a two-run home run against the Seattle Mariners during the fourth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
“I think they’re a dangerous team,’’ Cole said of the Yankees’ ancient rivals, who finished third last season (81-81), 13 games behind the AL East champion Yanks.
Having previously added Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler to their rotation, the Red Sox have had “what looks like a really good winter,’’ said Yankees manager Aaron Boone.
“We saw a lot of their talent and athleticism last year,’’ said Boone. “Just looking from afar here in February, it looks like they’re putting together a really strong team.’’
And in Bregman, a Gold Glove Award winner and a key part of two world championship clubs, with a career .848 OPS, “the Sox got a good player,’’ said Boone.
Camp news: Why Marcus Stroman is a no-show at Yankees spring training amid ‘awkward situation’
The Yankees’ third base situation is undecided, with four candidates – DJ LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera, Oswald Peraza and Jorbit Vivas – in consideration. A platoon possibility also exists.
Earlier in the offseason, Bregman was naturally linked to Yankees’ interest, but his age – he turns 31 next month – and asking price played against him landing in the Bronx, as did his involvement in the Astros’ electronic sign stealing scandal.
That will always remain a bitter subject for Yankees players and executives who felt cheated out of a World Series appearance by Houston in 2017, and have questioned whether the Astros’ illegal sign stealing methods were in effect during Houston’s 2019 ALCS victory against the Yanks.
Yankees minor leaguer released from hospital
Yankees minor league pitcher Eric Reyzelman, 24, was released from nearby St. Joseph’s Hospital, Thursday, after suffering from an allergic reaction Wednesday morning at spring training camp.
The right-hander returned to Steinbrenner Field “in good spirits,’’ said Boone, who kept close tabs on Reyzelman’s condition and said the pitcher turned a positive corner late Wednesday afternoon.
“Hopefully, (he’s) out of the woods. Obviously a scary situation,’’ said Boone, but “happy to report he’s doing well.’’
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Yankees react to Alex Bregman signing contract with Red Sox
