Boston Red Sox legend and three-time World Series champion David Ortiz has publicly dropped a bombshell assessment of the team’s ongoing offseason, declaring that the focus on two specific types of moves has finally “fixed” the Red Sox’s structural weaknesses and put them on the path to serious contention in 2026.
Based on Ortiz’s recent commentary and reports from the General Managers Meetings, the Hall of Famer is emphasizing the need for two things: veteran leadership and right-handed power.
The Two Moves That Fixed the Red Sox, According to Papi
While Ortiz has been most vocal about specific players, his comments reveal a strategic vision for what Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow must accomplish:
Move 1: Re-signing Alex Bregman (The Veteran Leadership)
The most urgent need, according to Ortiz, is the return of third baseman Alex Bregman. Bregman opted out of his contract, but Ortiz views his re-signing as non-negotiable for reasons that go beyond his production.
- The Player: Bregman was arguably the team’s best hitter in 2025 and is a Gold Glove-caliber defender.
- The Ortiz Rationale: Big Papi recognizes the value of Bregman’s veteran presence and leadership, particularly after the emotional trade of Rafael Devers and the need for continuity in the clubhouse. Ortiz has publicly sent a message to Bregman urging him to return, calling him a “strong veteran presence” that the team needs.
- The “Fix”: This move fixes the team chemistry, leadership vacuum, and defensive instability at third base, providing a stable foundation for the young players.
Move 2: Signing Pete Alonso (The Right-Handed Power)
Ortiz has made it clear that adding a massive right-handed power bat is essential, specifically lobbying for free-agent first baseman/DH Pete Alonso over other options like Kyle Schwarber.
- The Player: Alonso is a high-power, right-handed slugger who would likely serve as the primary DH in Boston, especially with Triston Casas injured.
- The Ortiz Rationale: Ortiz stated on the ITM Podcast that while Schwarber and Alonso are both “monsters,” the Red Sox already have a heavy dose of left-handed power (Wilyer Abreu, Roman Anthony). He wants a right-handed hitter to take advantage of Fenway Park’s Green Monster and balance the lineup against the “lot of left-handed power pitchers coming out of the bullpen” in the AL East.
- The “Fix”: This move fixes the lack of right-handed slugging and lineup balance, making the Red Sox offense far less susceptible to pitcher matchups in the late innings.
The Outlook: A Foundation Built for Contention
Ortiz’s enthusiasm stems from the fact that the Red Sox already have a championship-caliber pitching foundation secured for 2026, headlined by All-MLB First Team lefties Garrett Crochet and Aroldis Chapman (the AL Reliever of the Year).
By adding the leadership of Bregman and the right-handed thunder of Alonso, Ortiz believes Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow will have finally executed the formula needed to compete with the Yankees and Blue Jays in the AL East.
Given Big Papi’s strong endorsement of Pete Alonso, would you like to check the latest buzz regarding the Red Sox’s potential pursuit of Alonso, who is expected to command a contract upwards of $200 million?
