The Boston Red Sox rebounded well after losing Alex Bregman, reinforcing their rotation and adding a long-term infielder in Caleb Durbin. Still, any way you slice it, Bregman would’ve been the best fit for Boston’s infield.

The Red Sox will feel Bregman’s absence this year, both at third base and in the clubhouse. Durbin is a great player and has the potential to stick in Boston’s infield for years to come, but he isn’t yet a player of Bregman’s caliber.

He also doesn’t bring the years of experience Bregman has, which will be missed among the Red Sox’s young core. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic wrote about how Bregman is already bringing his wisdom to the Chicago Cubs at spring training, and even weeks before — his impact was immediate on reliever Hoby Milner, whom he told about multiple tips batters had on his pitches and Pete Crow-Armstrong has already raved about Bregman’s teachings (subscription required).

“Bregman… is the league leader in a metric Scott Boras, his pun-making agent, somehow failed to invent during the 10-year veteran’s free agency — Secondary Teachings Above Replacement,” Rosenthal wrote.

“Many players are good teammates. Bregman stands out, particularly for a player of his caliber, because he thinks beyond himself.”

Alex Bregman is already reminding the Red Sox what they’re missing by flashing his leadership skills with the Cubs

The Red Sox need more players capable of thinking beyond themselves. Their roster is dominated by recent top prospects and players in their early 20s, still finding their way in the majors. Durbin, Boston’s solution to whiffing on Bregman, is soon to be 26, but he’s a one-year big leaguer with plenty to prove. He and Marcelo Mayer would’ve done well with the stewardship Bregman provided last season (although the Sox wouldn’t have Durbin at all if he returned).

Bregman acted as something of a second manager in the Sox’s dugout (as did Rob Refsnyder, who signed with the Seattle Mariners this winter after Boston let him walk). He advises hitters and pitchers alike, as well as helping young players off the field, like when he bought Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer their first suits.

Trevor Story is a veteran and Jarren Duran should be considered one now, but they each have too many personal goals to meet and lack the playoff experience Bregman has to coach the Red Sox’s younger players in the same way. Willson Contreras surely has some great wisdom to share after his years viewing the game from behind the plate, but he isn’t as well known for his teaching ability as Bregman.

Bregman and what Rosenthal dubbed “the Bregman Experience” are officially in the Red Sox’s past, which is a shame since their contending window is open now. Boston will miss Bregman’s top-tier defense at the hot corner and his righty bat in front of the Green Monster, but his knowledge and guidance could be what it misses most.