Red Sox insider explains why Alex Bregman is more valuable than Pete Alonso

Red Sox insider Lou Merloni believes Alex Bregman vs. Pete Alonso debate goes far beyond home run totals. Merloni argues that true values come from what a player provides over nine innings, not four at-bats.

Merloni is a former Red Sox player and current NESN analyst. He argued why Bregman is more valuable than Alonso on Wednesday's episode of "Boston Has Entered the Chat."

"Alonso hits 45 home runs. Don't get me wrong. It's four at-bats a game," Merloni said (Timestamp: 9:37). "He doesn't run the bases, and that's about it. He's not going to play defense. He actually hurts you. Alex Bregman, for nine innings a night, plays defense and helps you win a ball game. That to me is a big difference."

"I value defense," Merloni added. "If you sign Pete Alonso, you still have a hole at first base. You could squeeze him there if you want for a year, but eventually he's a DH. He's still a hole at first. He's still at a hole at second. He's still at a hole at third."

Pete Alonso signed a five-year, $155 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday. With Alonso off the free agent market, Alex Bregman is among the biggest infielders available for teams. Merloni believes that Bregman deserves a deal similar to Alonso's due to his defensive superiority.

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Red Sox insider shares thoughts about Alex Bregman's Diamondbacks fit

In the same conversation on "Boston Has Entered the Chat," Lou Merloni expressed his skepticism about rumors linking Alex Bregman to the Diamondbacks.

Merloni acknowledged that the Diamondbacks could sign big names, citing last offseason's $210 million acquisition of Corbin Burnes. However, he said Bregman likes to see fans in numbers and the Diamondbacks attract around 15000, which is half of the Red Sox.

"After being around Alex Bregman for a year, to think that he wants to go into retirement and not deal with the media, not deal with the pressure of performing, and not really playing in the postseason, that’s just not him," Merloni said (Timestamp: 3:31).

"I think he lives for coming out of that dugout at 6:20 and seeing 30,000 people already in their seats," he added. "I think he lives for the Yankees x Red Sox rivalry and the postseason play and meaningful games in September. I think this is what drives him. So, it’s just, I don’t think it’s in him."

Last offseason, Bregman signed a three-year, $120 million deal with the Red Sox with opt-outs after the 2025 and 2026 seasons. He also received a reported six-year, $171 million offer from the Tigers.

As such, Merloni is confident that Bregman's agent, Scott Boras, is looking for a five-year deal around $150 million.