The Red Sox and Alex Bregman: A Waiting Game?
It's a familiar story in the world of baseball: a team wants a player, the player is available, but the deal isn't done. That's the situation between the Boston Red Sox and third baseman Alex Bregman, and according to Red Sox manager Alex Cora, the ball is now firmly in Bregman's court.
This news comes from a recent Fenway Fest appearance, where Cora spoke candidly about the situation. The Red Sox, after making moves to bolster their pitching rotation with Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo, and adding Willson Contreras to their lineup, are clearly looking for another offensive boost before Opening Day. Bregman, who played for Boston in 2025 and has expressed interest in returning, seems like a perfect fit.
But here's where it gets interesting. While the Red Sox have reportedly made an "aggressive offer," other teams are also vying for Bregman's signature. The Diamondbacks, Blue Jays, Cubs, and Tigers are all in the mix, potentially creating a bidding war. Bregman's previous contract was a 3-year, $120 million deal with an opt-out after 2025, which allowed him to test the market again.
Cora, who has a close relationship with Bregman dating back to 2017 when Cora was the Houston Astros' bench coach, seems to be taking a more hands-off approach this time. He acknowledges his fondness for Bregman, stating, "I love the player, we love the player. We’ll see what happens."
And this is the part most people miss... The Red Sox might need to offer Bregman a long-term deal, potentially 5 years or more, to secure his services. However, market shifts could work in their favor. Toronto's recent signing of Kazuma Okamoto might lessen their interest in Bregman, and Arizona's reluctance to trade Ketel Marte could impact their pursuit as well. The fact that Bregman remains unsigned suggests a difference in valuation, and his history of waiting until mid-February to sign might indicate he's not in a rush to make a decision.
Red Sox President and CEO Sam Kennedy acknowledges the lack of a deadline, stating that the team is exploring options through both free agency and trades.
Controversy & Comment Hooks:
Do you think the Red Sox are doing enough to re-sign Bregman? Could the team be doing more? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
