The Boston Red Sox finished the 2025 season with an 89–73 record, reaching the MLB playoffs for the first time since 2021. Although their postseason run ended quickly in the AL Wild Card round, there are plenty of reasons for optimism in Boston heading into next year.
A major factor was the emergence of outfielder Roman Anthony, who shined in his rookie campaign. The 21-year-old left-handed slugger posted a .292 batting average, .396 on-base percentage, .859 OPS, eight home runs and 32 RBIs across 71 games.
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His season was cut short in early September due to an oblique injury, but he is expected to make a full recovery in the offseason.
As Anthony works toward returning, Boston’s front office faces important decisions about how to strengthen the lineup with proven talent.
One key storyline is third basemanAlex Bregman, who joined the Red Sox last offseason and quickly developed a strong bond with Anthony. Bregman recently opted out of his contract, seeking long-term security, leaving Boston with a pivotal choice about whether to keep him as part of their future core.
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As Boston weighs its options, Bregman has stayed in shape, training at Nemesis Baseball’s facilities in the offseason alongside other MLB stars. He recently posted a slideshow of his workouts on social media, which drew a reaction from Anthony.
Anthony commented, “PJ THX,” a phrase with unclear meaning, but Bregman liked the comment, another sign of the connection between the two.
This comes after a report from Jon Heyman of the New York Post earlier in the week that named Boston the favorite to land Bregman in free agency.
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“Bregman is in excellent shape with the Tigers and Cubs both with interest and, of course, the incumbent/favored Red Sox,” Heyman reported Thursday.
It is easy to see why Boston would want him back. Bregman fit seamlessly in 2025, posting a .273 batting average, .360 on-base percentage, .821 OPS, 18 home runs and 62 RBIs in 114 games while earning an All-Star selection.
He reunited with Boston’s manager Alex Cora and served as a mentor to the organization’s young core, including Anthony, thanks to his proven postseason success.
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During his tenure with the Houston Astros, Bregman went on several deep playoff runs and won two World Series titles. His individual accomplishments and leadership make him a pivotal figure, and his decision in free agency will help shape the Red Sox’s future.
Related: Red Sox Announce Trade With Rays Amid MLB Free Agency
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 7, 2025, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
