Red Sox's Biggest Mistake This Season Wasn't Alex Bregman Before the 2026 Major League Baseball season began, the Red Sox faced significant scrutiny for losing star infielder Alex Bregman. His departure dominated headlines, radio shows, and television talk shows, both in Boston and across the baseball world. While the team publicly emphasized Bregman as a priority, they failed to secure a long-term deal, leading to his free-agent move to the Chicago Cubs. Bregman’s performance with the Cubs has been solid but unremarkable, with a .246/.335/.359 slash line, four home runs, 14 RBIs, 22 walks, and five doubles in 42 games. Though he remains a better offensive option than the alternatives at the hot corner, his impact has not matched his previous contributions in Boston. The Red Sox’s biggest misstep, however, lies in the trade that sent Caleb Durbin and Kyle Harrison to the Milwaukee Brewers. Durbin, acquired as part of the deal, has shown defensive promise with Gold Glove-level play but has struggled offensively, posting a .165/.245/.241 line in 40 games. His offensive output has been minimal, leaving the Red Sox with a player who offers little value to their lineup. The trade’s true flaw centers on Harrison’s performance. Acquired from the San Francisco Giants in a 2025 trade that also sent Rafael Devers to the Red Sox, Harrison has underperformed in Milwaukee, posting a 2.41 ERA in seven starts across 33 2/3 innings. The Red Sox’s decision to trade Harrison without giving him an extended opportunity to develop has drawn criticism. Instead of allowing Harrison to prove himself, the team prioritized acquiring pitching depth, such as Johan Oviedo from the Pittsburgh Pirates. This approach has left the organization with a roster lacking depth at key positions, particularly in the middle infield.#chicago_cubs #red_sox #alex_bregman #kyle_harrison #caleb_durbin
