Boston Red Sox
“Love playing here. The fans here are awesome.”
Despite leaving Boston on murky terms earlier this year, Alex Bregman enjoyed being back at Fenway Park as a visitor.
Bregman’s current club, the Chicago Cubs, were in town for a doubleheader on Friday. The All-Star third baseman signed with the Cubs in free agency in January after playing for the Red Sox in 2025 and leading them to the playoffs for the first time in five seasons.
Bregman reportedly wanted to re-sign with Boston, but his former team didn’t want to give him a full no-trade clause. Chicago, however, did — and made a five-year, $175 million commitment to him.
Red Sox president Sam Kennedy caused a stir at spring training when he told the media: “If Alex Bregman wanted to be here, ultimately he’d be here.”
Bregman responded to Kennedy’s comments during his Cubs introductory press conference.
“I just really don’t want to get into it,” Bregman said. “It’s not worth it.”
He also said there was more to his decision than the no-trade clause.
Despite the awkward exit, he had only good things to say about returning to Massachusetts.
“So great,” Bregman said when asked how it felt to be at Fenway. “So many lifelong friends. Memories and friendships that I’ll cherish forever.
“Obviously playing here is so special. Love playing here. The fans here are awesome. Great experience.”
Bregman was seen catching up with former teammates like Roman Anthony and Jarren Duran pregame.
The Cubs shared a photo on X of the three of them plus Greg Weissert and Chicago star Pete Crow-Armstrong.
Bregman’s return to Boston may not have been the biggest thing on his mind. Last weekend, he took a foul ball to the face, which caused facial fractures and a bruised eye. He returned to the diamond for the first time since the incident in Game 1; he played designated hitter and saw four at-bats, but went hitless.
Here’s what his face looked like five days after being struck:
Bregman had several custom batting helmets to choose from, but he opted to wear his typical gear.
The Red Sox and Cubs will play Game 162 at the Tampa Bay Rays’ Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, on Sunday at 3:05 p.m. Eastern Time due to the nor’easter slamming New England.
Get the latest Boston sports news
Receive updates on your favorite Boston teams, straight from our newsroom to your inbox.
