Boston Red Sox fans already rode the emotional rollercoaster that was Alex Bregman’s first contract with the team — the third baseman took until February to sign a bridge deal, and his opt-out meant that another rigorous offseason of rumors was coming.
So far, that’s been true. At first, Bregman’s market seemed small with the Red Sox the obvious top suitor. But new clubs, like the Toronto Blue Jays and Arizona Diamondbacks (Bregman lives in Arizona during the offseason) have entered the fray, and Boston’s chance for a reunion with last season’s star now seems less certain.
Bregman, himself has played a role in the sweeping emotional changes in a very 21st century method of communication. The veteran began the offseason with an Instagram profile picture of himself celebrating in the Red Sox dugout. On December 13, Bregman changed his profile picture to a photo of himself in generic, black clothes, effectively removing his affiliation with the Red Sox (in a silly, unserious way).
The image change came right around the time the Red Sox truly entered the race to trade for Ketel Marte, and when the Jays and D-Backs emerged as serious contenders for Bregman. It was one of the many bits of news that crushed some of Sox fans’ good vibes about a potential reunion.
Alex Bregman teases Red Sox fans with yet another Instagram profile picture change
But the good vibes may be back on. Bregman again changed his Instagram profile picture on December 22 to a picture of himself and his son at the 2025 All-Star Game. He and his son are both wearing Sox hats in the photo.
Instagram profile pictures are hardly a definitive indication of a player’s offseason plans, but they’ve foreshadowed signings before. Ahead of the 2024 season, the Red Sox were in the race for then-free agent Jorge Soler when he changed his Instagram picture to one of himself on base at Oracle Park. He signed with the Giants just over a week later. He ended up not having a great season and was traded twice, so the Sox’s whiff may have been fortunate, but the same likely won’t be true for Bregman.
Bregman suits many of the Red Sox’s offseason needs, so it makes sense that many local reporters state that their No. 1 priority is to reunite with him. Bregman is right-handed, still plays quality defense at a coveted position and his past offensive numbers at Fenway Park are too good to ignore in favor of other candidates.
Hopefully, Bregman’s latest profile picture change is a signal of turning tides in his market. The Red Sox will have to make a serious offer to bring the veteran back, and although it may be uncomfortable for the front office, it’s well past time for the move after the offseason’s early trades.