FORT MYERS, Fla. — Alex Bregman can easily take a pitch off the edge of the plate. He’s a picky hitter, one who will never deviate from his plan to swing at the right pitch. It’s a huge reason why Bregman has been able to carve out a nine-year Major League career that includes two All-Star appearances and a Silver Slugger award.

Bregman joining the Red Sox put an official end to his outstanding nine-year stint with the Houston Astros. While with Houston, he was a two-time All-Star, two-time World Series champion, one-time Silver Slugger Award winner, and one-time Gold Glove winner.

Originally selected by Boston in the 29th round of the 2012 amateur draft, Bregman attended LSU before the Houston Astros picked him second overall in 2015. His family history with the Red Sox goes back further. “My dad grew up sitting on Ted Williams’ lap,” he said.