The Red Sox clinched their first playoff berth since 2021 on Friday night, marking the ninth straight season that Bregman will appear in the postseason.

The Boston Red Sox toppled the Detroit Tigers on Friday night, clinching their first playoff berth since 2021 in the process.

And for Sox infielder Alex Bregman, it's his ninth consecutive playoff appearance.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today noted the streak, though he incorrectly said that Bregman has made it 10 years in a row. The 2016 Houston Astros were not a playoff team.

Congratulations to Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman, who kept his fabulous streak alive.

He has been in the big leagues 10 years. This will be his 10th postseason.

Regardless, this is certainly impressive for Bregman, who made the playoffs eight times with the Astros, winning the World Series in 2017 and 2022.

He left Houston in free agency this past offseason, signing a three-year deal with the Red Sox. However, he has an opt-out and it's unclear if he'll use it.

Regardless of what happens, he's been a major boon for the Red Sox, especially in terms of leadership and helping establishing a winning culture. He's been the primary third baseman all season, but has taken on even bigger importance after the team dealt away Rafael Devers in June.

Though he's played just 114 games because of injury, he's hit .273 with 18 homers, 62 RBIs and a stolen base. He's also posted a strong .360 on-base percentage and a 128 OPS+.

Now 31 years old, Bregman figures to have a strong market in free agency if he elects to use his opt-out.

Bregman and the Red Sox will finish out the regular season on Sunday afternoon at 3:10 p.m. ET against the Detroit Tigers. If Boston wins, they will get the No. 5 seed in the looming American League playoffs, setting up a wild card series with the New York Yankees in New York.

If Boston loses, and Cleveland wins, then Cleveland would get the American League Central crown, with Detroit becoming the No. 5 seed and the Red Sox getting the No. 6.

That would set them up for a matchup with the Guardians in the wild card, which begins Tuesday.

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