It all began in June. Just after the trade of Rafael Devers, the Red Sox promoted Roman Anthony to the majors, and this decision quickly ignited the team’s offense. From June 30 through early September, the Red Sox were a dangerous team at the plate. Their 5.4 runs average per game and .778 OPS made them a legitimate postseason contender. However, on September 2, the 21-year-old Roman Anthony was grabbed at his side during a swing against the Guardians, causing him an oblique injury. Since then, the offense has not been the same.
The Red Sox are fighting for their playoff lives. As of Tuesday, they are just a half-game behind the Astros, holding the 3rd wild card spot and two-and-a-half games ahead of the Guardians. The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey thinks that, at this point, Alex Bregman needs to come forward and push the Red Sox to secure a playoff position.
Though, as per McCaffrey, “Prior to a severe quad injury in May, Alex Bregman was undoubtedly the team’s early-season MVP,” his performance has not been the same since. As per Tyler Milliken, since Anthony went down, stars like Rob Refsnyder (159 wRC+) and Nate Eaton (139 wRC+) have surprisingly stepped up. However, big stars have gone ice cold, specifically Alex Bregman, posting just a 66 wRC+ in that stretch. That is not just a drop—it is a nosedive.
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Jen McCaffrey also echoed the same sentiment. “Boston’s offensive woes since Roman Anthony went on the injured list have been compounded because Bregman has struggled,” and the data back her up. She continued, “He hit .299 with a .938 OPS and 11 home runs through his first 51 games. He fast-tracked his way back from injury in seven weeks and hit well in his first month back, with a .322 average and .946 OPS from the All-Star break through mid-August. But since then, his numbers have been abysmal, with a .198 average and .548 OPS over his last 25 games.”
Yet, there is no doubt that Alex Bregman’s role needs to be massive at this point. As Tyler Milliken posted, the team is tied for last in MLB in productive outs since Anthony’s injury, right alongside the A’s. That lack of situational hitting has magnified Bregman’s struggles because this lineup needs its cornerstone to set the tone. Other stars like Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu can provide sparks, but hitting is contagious, and Alex Cora desperately needs his veterans to flip the switch.
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If Bregman can not, the playoff push could sputter out before it begins.
Meanwhile, fans have amplified the noise more. Social media has become a pressure cooker, with every strikeout from Bregman fueling frustration.
Fans erupt over Bregman’s slump and Red Sox offensive collapse
The first wave of reaction has revolved around Bregman’s health. “I’m assuming Bregman is hurt, but man, you just need way more out of him.” The frustration stems from his steep drop since returning from injury. Over his last 25 games, Bregman’s .198 batting average and .548 OPS are a far cry from the production expected from a $40 million cornerstone. For fans, hurt or not, the timing could not be worse.
Others have carried the conversation toward Alex Bregman’s deal and the Red Sox’s financial flexibility. “Bregman can opt out. 40 mil for average hitting ain’t worth it. Go trade for Trout and sign the DH from Philly, we should have never let go. :)” one fan remarked. The deal in question, three years, $120 million with opt-out clauses, has now become a lightning rod. At $40 million per season, fans hope for MVP-level performance, not replacement-level stats. Calls for elite alternatives highlight the desperation of fans watching a playoff push slip away.
But the criticism has not just aimed at Bregman. Another fan zoomed out, pointing at Boston’s roster depth. “This is more than Roman going down. We have a very streaky offense. And look at the names on that list… not a bunch of all-stars.” Outside of Roman Anthony’s breakout, Boston’s supporting cast has been inconsistent. Even with surprising performances from Rob Refsnyder (159 wRC+) and Nate Eaton (139 wRC+), the lineup has failed in high-leverage spots, ranking near the bottom of MLB in productive outs since Anthony’s absence.
Still, the ongoing wrath falls on Bregman himself. “Bregman is not worth 40 m a year. Overrated,” another fan wrote, echoing a sentiment that has been building throughout September. The harsh critique stems from hopes that Bregman was brought in to be the steady veteran leader. Instead, he has struggled in clutch moments, posting a .152 batting average with runners in scoring position over his last month of games. For fans, the numbers justify the “overrated” tag.
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The most brutal comment, however, has focused on the team’s reliance on a 20-year-old. “Pathetic how a 20-year-old makes this team so a–😂😂 just miss the playoffs you b— and get AC fired.” This comment speaks volumes about both Anthony’s importance and Alex Cora’s leadership coming under fire. The idea that a newcomer carried Boston’s offense while a $120 million star fell has left fans questioning the front office, the manager, and the culture. It is a reminder that the Red Sox’s margin for error is razor-thin, and patience is wearing out swiftly.
The Red Sox’s season now swings in the balance, with both data and fan sentiment aligning on one truth: Alex Bregman must step up. Roman Anthony’s injury exposed flaws that Boston can not afford to ignore, but Bregman’s decline has intensified them. If the veteran cornerstone can not rediscover his form, the Red Sox risk squandering a playoff berth and possibly igniting an offseason of major changes.