The clock continues to tick as organizations, including the Boston Red Sox, await the decision of free agency third baseman Alex Bregman.
Boston is one of several teams interested in signing the two-time World Series winner to round out its offseason, but the process has been lengthy. Bregman would meet the Red Sox’s need for a right-handed bat, significantly improving the team’s defense, and the 30-year-old has plenty of playoff experience to assume a leadership role. Now it is up to Bregman and agent Scott Boras to make a decision.
Bregman is thought to be looking for a multi-year contract, and he has already turned down a six-year deal to return to the Houston Astros. Despite Houston’s front-office excitement in recent weeks, it appears like the Red Sox may have the upper hand.
“Alex Bregman, who is likely to land with the Red Sox, (Chicago) Cubs or (Detroit) Tigers soon; sources in the Astros organization are skeptical he’ll return to Houston,” according to ESPN’s Buster Olney. “If he goes to Fenway Park, he can hit the Green Monster while relearning the intricacies of playing in the middle infield. If he moves to Chicago — most likely on a short-term, Cody Bellinger-type contract — he will be under pressure to perform. And if he joins with the Tigers, it would be Detroit’s de facto admission that, with Tarik Skubal about to hit free agency in two years, the team’s opportunity to win has closed, and adding Bregman would be an all-in approach.
Aside from the Green Monster, which he is well familiar with, Bregman has several reasons to sign with the Red Sox. Bregman worked alongside Boston manager Alex Cora throughout the team’s 2017 World Series championship run in Houston. Bregman would be an immensely beneficial component of the organization, both on and off the field, as young and emerging prospects could pick his brain during their early development. Furthermore, the possible signing of Bregman may transform the Red Sox into real contenders.
Boston’s bullpen has improved with the signings of Justin Wilson and Aroldis Chapman, while the starting rotation has been strengthened with Garrett Crochet, Walker Buehler, and Patrick Sandoval. With Bregman, a proven champion and respected veteran, perhaps joining the clubhouse, the Red Sox might reach new heights and end their postseason drought in 2025.
