Red Sox expected to meet with two-time NPB MVP to be potential replacement for Alex Bregman
The Boston Red Sox have one big decision to make this offseason: whether or not to re-sign superstar Alex Bregman. With the current consensus being that the Sox will re-sign him, they still may pursue other options.
And, it seems like they will at least pursue a backup plan. According to Dean Ciriaco, the Sox are expected to meet with two-time NPB MVP Munetaka Murakami, as they view him as a replacement for Bregman if push comes to shove.
“I am hearing that the Red Sox fully intend on meeting with Munetaka Murakami and that they view him as a potential replacement to Alex Bregman,” Ciriaco posted.
Ciriaco continued, stating that he believes the Sox should move on from Bregman, and presumably pursue Murakami, as Bregman isn’t worth the money.
“Whether you like it or not, Bregman was not worth the $40 million. He produced around $28 million worth of value. Time to move on,” Ciriaco concluded.
This season, Bregman was only able to play 114 games due to injury, but he still slashed .273/.360/.462/.821 with 28 doubles, 18 homers, and 62 RBI. He also brings leadership to the clubhouse and other intangibles that no one else brings.
So, in a perfect world, the Sox re-sign Bregman, even with the down year. However, that shouldn’t stop them from pursuing Murakami; on the contrary, they need to get him too, and put him at first or DH. That will be proof that they are all-in on winning, and they intend to bring the dynasty back.
Raiders’ Star Maxx Crosby Pops Up on Injury Report vs. Chiefs
Just a few days before Sunday’s clash against the Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders’ star pass rusher Maxx Crosby
Crosby, who was not on the injury report until Friday, does not have a game status for Sunday’s game.
#Raiders DE Maxx Crosby was added to the injury report. He was limited with a back injury but doesn’t have a game status.
Maxx Crosby x Patrick Mahomes
GettyPatrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs hugs Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders.
Everyone knows how important Crosby is for the Raiders, and if he isn’t a full go on Sunday, it’s going to be extremely difficult to stop Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.
Mahomes commented on his rivalry with Crosby, saying, “A ton of respect.”
“When I talk to him outside of football, it’s like we’re friends,” Mahomes added. “You wouldn’t even see what happens on the football field. But he’s the type of competitor like me. When you get on the football field, it’s whatever it takes to win and you’re going to leave everything on the football field. I have a ton of respect for that.”
Crosby also shared his thoughts on Mahomes in the latest episode of The Silver and Black Show:
“He’s one of the greatest to do it, period. …He’s an incredible competitor, an incredible player, and I feel like we have a special relationship because we’re very similar in many ways when it comes to being obsessed with winning and that competitive nature when you refuse to lose. He’s one of those guys, so every time we see each other, we’re both on that same page for sure.”
Mahomes has the Raiders’ number, with a 27:4 touchdown to interception ratio in games against the Raiders since Crosby joined the team back in 2019.
Knowing Crosby, he’ll likely be on the field Sunday, even with the recent back injury, but it’s a long shot for another star player on the Raiders.
Brock Bowers Slated to Miss His Third Game in a Row
GettyBrock Bowers #89 of the Las Vegas Raiders.
Some more unfortunate news for the Raiders is that star tight end Brock Bowers
Bowers returned to practice on Friday in a limited capacity, but is listed as doubtful to play Sunday against the Chiefs.
Bowers commented on returning to practice, saying, “It felt good to get back out there with the guys, being at practice, just feeling better.” He was then asked his thoughts on potentially playing on Sunday.
“Yeah, definitely thought about it, we’ll see.” Bowers added that it’ll likely be a game-time decision, but the feeling is that the Raiders’ coaching staff would prefer to rest him and have him at full speed after the bye week.
It’s going to be a tough matchup against the Chiefs on Sunday, and it’ll only be harder to win if Crosby and Bowers aren’t on the field for the Silver and Black.
