Amid Alex Bregman’s future uncertainty, David Ortiz hypes Red Sox’s $130M outfielder as “the full package” and team’s next cornerstone

Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz called Roman Anthony the new face of the franchise in an interview with Fenway Rundown after Anthony finished 3rd in the AL Rookie of the Year race. He signed an 8-year $130,000,000 deal with the team after being promoted to the Red Sox roster earlier this year.

With Alex Bregman’s uncertain future, Anthony’s presence in the clubhouse will be more important than ever. While fans want Bregman back, the rookie’s long-term deal secures a key building block for Boston’s future.

“When you have a guy that talented, that young and that mature, that’s the full package," Ortiz said (Timestamp - 5:11 -6:28). "You know you have a face of the franchise. A guy like him, you know your money is worth it. That’s why we gave him that big deal out of the gate, right away, because he’s worth that much.”

Many were pleasantly surprised by the deal, and as Ortiz noted, it allows the 21-year-old to focus on his career and not worry about financial security. He called Anthony the full package and a leader in the making.

“The Red Sox aren't famous on giving big deals to young players that early. I think it was a wonderful move to sign him right away so he just has to worry about coming to the field and being ready to whoop a**."

Despite being sidelined due to his oblique strain, Anthony posted 32 RBIs, 8 HRs, with an .859 OPS in 71 games. Despite his breakout performance, the team’s postseason dreams were cut short by the NY Yankees in the AL Wild Card Series.

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David Ortiz sends message to Alex Bregman amid free agency rumor talks

David Ortiz and Alex Bregman [Credit: Imagn]

Alex Bregman’s presence in the Boston clubhouse is undeniably valuable, and David Ortiz echoed the same sentiment in a recent interview with the ITM podcast on Friday. He raved about Bregman's leadership qualities and how it helped Rafael Devers fit in with the team.

"My message to him? Please come back. I love Alex, man. I think he's a great player. He's got really incredible leadership…Even with all the controversy and all the talk going on with (Rafael Devers), I came to spring training, and I was watching Alex trying to help Raffy out.”

“He always had my respect, but that put the cherry on top. What that showed me was, we are here to compete. To help this ballclub win. I want to get better. And everyone loves him around here. He has a great relationship with all of the players, and he's a good player. You can't argue that.”

With Bregman wanting longer financial stability, it’s yet to be seen whether the Red Sox will sign the veteran arm. Among several teams as potential destinations, Bregman got a shoutout from Detroit Tigers’ Tarik Skubal during the MLB Awards night.

Skubal openly stated how he wishes to play with Bregman and hopes the team will pursue him in free agency. Apart from them, the NY Mets, Phillies, and Blue Jays are also in the mix.