Alex Bregman pens goodbye letter to Astros fans after signing with Red Sox
“To the Astros Organization — thank you for believing in me, for pushing me to be my best, and for allowing me to live out my dream."
Before Alex Bregman’s deal with the Red Sox was made official Saturday, he said goodbye to his old home.
The new Red Sox star penned a thank you note to Astros fans, with his signing in Boston marking the end of his time in Houston’s organization after 10 seasons. Bregman began his later focusing on the fans and the city of Houston.
“From the moment I put on an Astros uniform, I felt the love, the passion, and the energy of this city,” Bregman wrote in a post on Instagram with a picture of him alongside his wife, Reagan, at an Astros World Series championship parade. “Together, we became champions — on and off the field. Eight playoff appearances, seven ALCS appearances, four World Series appearances, and two World Series titles. We’ve fought hard each season, lifting each other up in the toughest moments and celebrating our triumphs as one. But more than the stats, it’s the resilience of this city that has stuck with me — because Houston is a city that knows how to rise, rebuild, and keep fighting.
“From weathering natural disasters to overcoming the global challenges of a pandemic, and rallying behind philanthropic causes aiding our great community, Houston has always come together in a way only this city can. We’ve faced adversity together, and that’s what makes this city and this team so special. That strength is embedded in the heart of every single person who is lucky enough to call Houston home.”
Bregman, who the Astros selected with the second overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft, had become a fan favorite in Houston during his time there. As he mentioned, the team was a playoff mainstay after his call-up in 2016. Bregman was also named an All-Star twice and finished second in AL MVP voting in 2019, having a good deal of individual success, too.
Even though things were typically good on the field during Bregman’s time in Houston, he was among a few group of players who received the most backlash for the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal.
As the Astros stuck by Bregman throughout that and more, he made sure to tip his cap to them, too.
“To the Astros Organization — thank you for believing in me, for pushing me to be my best, and for allowing me to live out my dream,” Bregman wrote. “To my teammates — you made every day at the ballpark unforgettable, and I will always cherish the memories we created together, both on and off the field. We are family. To the fans — thank you for every cheer, every chant, and every moment of support. I will never take our time together for granted.”
The Astros were interested in keeping Bregman, reportedly making him a six-year, $156 million offer earlier in the offseason. But Bregman spurned that offer and a larger offer from the Tigers that was reportedly worth $171 million over six years to join the Red Sox on a three-year, $120 million with opt-outs after each season. The contract also includes deferred money.
Bregman, who’ll turn 31 in March, will look to bring the veteran leadership he had in Houston to Boston. As he helped the Astros win the AL West again last season, he hit .260 with 26 homers, 75 RBIs, and a .768 OPS in 145 games. While he won his first Gold Glove of his career playing third base last season, it’s been reported early on that Bregman will play second base.
Roughly 36 hours after news of Bregman’s agreement to join the Red Sox spread, he was in Fort Myers at the team’s facility on Friday.
As everyone waited for his contract to be finalized and his introductory press conference to take place, Bregman made sure to give his love again to Houston.
“Houston, from the bottom of my heart — thank you,” Bregman wrote.
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