[MontrealExpos]

Sportsnet
March 7, 2024
By James Calloway

MONTREAL – In a highly anticipated press conference at Olympic Stadium, Montreal Expos owner Pierre Karl Péladeau introduced Fred Bergeron as the franchise’s new General Manager, setting the stage for what promises to be a patient but ambitious rebuild for baseball’s return to the city.

Standing before a packed room of media and Expos supporters, Péladeau made it clear that the team’s return is about more than just putting a roster on the field it’s about restoring a legacy.

“This isn’t just about winning baseball games,” Péladeau said. “This is about bringing baseball home to Montreal, about giving this city a team it can be proud of. We have an incredible opportunity here, and we need the right people to build something special. That starts today with Fred Bergeron.”

Bergeron, a 44-year-old Montreal native, steps into the role with a unique baseball background spanning independent leagues, international scouting, and front-office work in Latin America. Most recently, he served as General Manager of a Dominican Winter League club, where his forward-thinking approach to player development and analytics helped the team claim a championship.

Bergeron brings an impressive academic foundation to the role, holding a Bachelor's degree in Sports Management from McGill University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Université Laval. His strong educational background, combined with his extensive baseball experience, positions him as a leader with both analytical prowess and strategic vision.

While fans may be eager to see the Expos contend immediately, Bergeron emphasized that 2024 will be an evaluation year, not just for players but for staff and organizational philosophy as well.

“We’re going to take a hard look at everything this season,” Bergeron said. “We’re building for the long term, and that means understanding what we have internally before making drastic moves. We’re going to evaluate our talent, our development systems, and our approach to scouting. This isn’t a one-year project; this is about sustainable success.”

While Bergeron stressed patience, he also made it clear that he isn’t here to simply go through the motions.

“Rebuilding doesn’t mean being complacent,” he explained. “Every move we make will be deliberate. We’re going to find undervalued talent, build a strong foundation through scouting and player development, and create a team identity rooted in smart, fundamental baseball.”

When asked about what kind of roster fans can expect in 2024, Bergeron remained realistic.

“We know where we stand,” he said. “This year is about setting a standard, finding players who fit our long-term vision, and creating a culture that values hard work and accountability. The wins will come but first, we have to lay the groundwork.”
Part of what made Bergeron an attractive candidate for the job was his extensive experience outside traditional MLB pipelines. His background in international scouting, analytics-driven roster construction, and independent league baseball aligns with the Expos' vision of finding market inefficiencies and developing players overlooked by other teams.

“We have a global perspective,” Bergeron said. “Whether it’s talent from the Dominican Republic, Japan, Europe, or right here in Quebec, we’re going to explore every avenue to build a competitive team.”

With the 2024 season set to begin, the focus will be on internal assessments and long-term planning. Péladeau acknowledged that patience will be required, but he remains confident that Bergeron is the right person to oversee the franchise’s rebuild.

“Montreal waited a long time for the Expos to come back,” Péladeau said. “Now, we’re making sure we do this the right way, and I have no doubt Fred is the right person to guide us forward.”

As Bergeron concluded his remarks, he left fans with a message that, while not a promise of instant success, signaled a clear direction for the franchise.

“This is just the beginning,” he said. “It won’t always be easy, but I can promise one thing: we’re going to build something Montreal can believe in.”