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The Yankees and Red Sox rivalry isn’t just a sports feud—it’s one of the most iconic and enduring rivalries in all of professional sports. It’s filled with historic moments, bitter confrontations, and unforgettable trades. From the infamous sale of Babe Ruth in 1919 to the dramatic 2004 ALCS comeback, and even the 2021 Wild Card showdown, this rivalry constantly evolves.
This offseason, Boston made it clear they aren’t sitting back. They made a massive statement by signing one of the league’s top infielders, Alex Bregman. Known for thriving under pressure, Bregman has the potential to tilt the balance of power in the American League East.
Aaron Boone on the Red Sox: “Getting Bregman here recently, they look like they have a really formidable team. We talk about our division and how tough it is, you can make a case for all five teams. I think it’s really good for the game when the two of us are really good.” pic.twitter.com/k4zNxJqJ96
— Boston Strong (@BostonStrong_34) February 26, 2025
To show how serious Boston is about contending, they handed Bregman a three-year deal worth $120 million. As a two-time All-Star and former ALCS MVP with a .272 career batting average, Bregman isn’t just a solid player—he’s elite. After missing the playoffs in 2024, Boston hopes his arrival sparks a turnaround.
Even rival managers are paying attention. New York’s manager acknowledged Boston’s aggressive offseason, saying the team looks much stronger with Bregman on board. He highlighted how competitive the entire AL East is and even admitted the rivalry is at its best when both teams are strong contenders.
The importance of Bregman’s signing extends beyond just his numbers. He’s consistent at getting on base, finishing 2024 with a .315 OBP. He’s also no stranger to postseason pressure, with six playoff appearances under his belt. His experience could also benefit Boston’s younger talents like Triston Casas and Jarren Duran, giving them a veteran presence to learn from.
On top of that, Bregman brings defensive flexibility. Though naturally a third baseman, Boston already has Rafael Devers at the position. Bregman is open to moving around the infield if needed, which could give Boston’s manager more strategic options.
Still, the Yankees aren’t backing down. While acknowledging Boston’s improvements, they’re confident in their own roster. Aaron Judge is coming off another dominant season, Giancarlo Stanton remains a power threat, and DJ LeMahieu provides valuable on-base skills. There’s also the emergence of Anthony Volpe, who already won a Gold Glove in his rookie year, and Jazz Chisholm Jr., who brings speed and versatility to the lineup. On the mound, Gerrit Cole is still the ace, anchoring a pitching staff built for a deep postseason run.
With both teams stacking their rosters, the rivalry could be heading for a revival. Boston’s aggressive offseason moves show they aren’t content with playing second fiddle—and with Bregman in the fold, they might have found the piece they need to truly challenge New York for AL East supremacy.
One subplot to watch is how Boston handles the third base situation. With Bregman’s arrival, Boston now faces a tough decision. Devers has held down third base since 2018 and has made it clear he wants to stay there. Bregman, while capable of playing second base, is an exceptional defender at third, which leaves the team with some difficult choices.
For now, Boston’s manager has said Devers will remain the starting third baseman during spring training. However, there’s speculation the team could eventually shift Devers to designated hitter to open up third base for Bregman. No matter how the situation unfolds, Bregman’s arrival strengthens Boston’s infield and improves their chances at making a serious playoff push in 2025.
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