Lou Merloni is over it.
Once fully on board with Boston pursuing Alex Bregman, the Red Sox broadcaster has changed his tune. Bregman once was viewed as destined to sign with the Red Sox but myriad factors, including an impasse over contract length and the Astros' reported renewed interest in re-signing the star infielder, have changed the narrative.
"At this point he should just sign back," Merloni, in a Wednesday post on X, wrote in response to a report about Houston offering Bregman a six-year, $156 million contract.
"He doesn't want to go to Toronto so I don't think he's going to get close to that deal. I'm emotionally moving on. I'm out."
Merloni's post arrived after Red Sox superfan Jared Carrabis sang a similar tune during an episode of the "Section 10" podcast.
"If things stay the way they are right now, what are the chances that Bregman ends up with the Red Sox? One percent or less," Carrabis said last week. But I am totally open to, and even slightly optimistic, that things will change. And let me just say: They have to change if he's going to end up here.
"Because, as things are right now, the answer's no."
As arguably the best hitter left in free agency, Bregman would be a major addition to the Red Sox lineup and make Boston a better team in 2025. However, a signing could force position changes for either franchise third baseman Rafael Devers or star prospect Kristian Campbell, so there are arguments against adding Bregman.
In 145 games last season, Bregman hit .260 with 26 homers and a .768 OPS. He also won his first American League Gold Glove Award at third base.
