A new narrative is unfolding for the Boston Red Sox—oh, not the 1B mess; this one’s in favor of the team. Boston has witnessed some of the greats who have been at the top of their game for a long time. But this time it’s not someone who’s been with them for a long time. A new player, fresh off a huge deal, came in with a work ethic that was so obsessive and focused on the most minor details that it made even the Red Sox’s most famous hitting coach seem, well, less critical. He is doing so well at the plate that he might even leave Aaron Judge behind.
A gamble that the Red Sox played is finally paying off. Every swing, every play, and every minute he spends perfecting his craft show this athlete’s dedication to quality. Striving for perfection with an intensity that is both motivating and, at times, intimidating, he dissects every movement for his teammates to see in amazement. Wondering who he is? Well, he was comfortable playing at any position.
Still didn’t get it? It’s the player of the hot corner, Alex Bregman! The former Houston Astros star signed with the Red Sox in February 2025 for a three-year, $120 million deal. A strategic decision that created a tremendous mess in the clubhouse, but he is finally giving answers with his swings. Leading the team with a .314 batting average, 11 home runs, and 33 RBIs as of May 14, he is under Judge’s shadow as a strong candidate for the AL MVP. With a 1.275 OPS, Judge leads the AL with a .414 batting average, 15 home runs, and 41 RBIs. His plate dominance has influenced the Yankees’ offensive prowess this season. Who can win?
His work ethic has made his teammates appreciate his dedication. Outfielder Jarren Duran told The Athletic, “Every swing for him is intentional. He breaks down every single swing. Not just like, ‘Oh, I took a bad swing, let me take this next one.’ It’s like, ‘Oh, why did I take a bad swing? Was my body in the right position? It’s just crazy to watch him do his routine.” He didn’t just stop there; he compared Bregman to another Red Sox legend.
Duran added, “The only person I’ve seen like that is J.D. Martinez. But (Bregman) might be even more critical of his swing than J.D., which is crazy.” His comment says a lot. It shows a degree of self-analysis and attention to detail that Bregman showed.
Moreover, his early return to the Red Sox after his second child’s birth has garnered attention, both for his record-tying World Series performance and its significance. Just the next day of his child’s birth, Bregman returned to his team instead of using Major League Baseball’s paternity leave. If this doesn’t show his dedication to the Red Sox, god knows what does!
But Durran isn’t the only one to praise Bregman. Garrett Crochet also praised Bregman’s work ethic, saying he’s someone, “who just brings a certain intensity to our clubhouse.” Boston’s third baseman isn’t just making records, he is also setting an example. As the season heats up and Judge leads the AL MVP race, Bregman is quietly putting together a campaign that could steal the spotlight. The question on everyone’s mind: Could this new Red Sox star outshine even the biggest names in baseball?
Alex Bregman’s 2025 resurgence
Bregman has truly revived his career with The Athens of America. Ranking among the American League’s top hitters, with a .981 OPS over 44 games. His 2.7 bWAR forecasts to exceed his career-high 8.9 bWAR from 2019, when he finished second in AL MVP voting.
Bregman’s comeback results from bringing back a particular pregame ritual he used to perform during his finest years of 2018 and 2019. Included in this program are machine work imitating pitches from second base, angled flips, and reverse flips. These exercises improve his swing mechanics by stressing hitting the inside portion of the ball and controlling the knob of the bat. So, he’s drawing fly balls at a career-high rate of 29.5% and getting an 11.5% barrel rate, suggesting more consistent hard contact.
But it’s not just the mechanics! Bregman has also changed his mental attitude. Earlier, all he pursued was hits, which increased his pursuit rate and lowered his walk rate. But now, hallmarks of his previous success, he focuses on zone management and pitch selection. And that’s how he orchestrated his offensive comeback.
Bregman is even committed to his preparation practices. At this point, workcoholic might be an understatement. Aiming to internalize his swing mechanics, he gives deliberate training in the batting cage priority over conventional batting practice. His leadership role in the team is highlighted by his dedication to detail and constant development. His work ethic and performance have become essential for the Red Sox’s success as they fight in the AL East. Looks like Alex Cora was right about him all along!
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