While the Red Sox have spent much of this offseason circling the trade market like a hawk in search of prey, from Ketel Marte to Brendan Donovan, they’ve explored nearly every viable infield option not bolted to the floor. But now, with some of those alternatives evaporating, Boston seems to be turning back toward a more familiar target: Alex Bregman.
Red Sox Aggressive Offer Signals a Shift in Strategy
According to reports, the Red Sox have made an “aggressive” offer to Bregman, the star third baseman who played in Boston last season after inking a three-year, $120 million deal loaded with opt-outs and deferred money. The move paid off. In 118 games, Bregman posted a 125 wRC+ and racked up 3.5 WAR, proof that even with durability concerns and a shorter contract, he remains a premium infield presence.
But now, as Bregman re-enters free agency, he finds himself once again navigating a market reluctant to go long-term. The irony? Despite the reduced field of competitors, Toronto’s signing of Kazuma Okamoto slams that door shut, and a Ketel Marte trade appears unlikely, but Bregman’s camp still hasn’t found the monster deal they hoped for. Yes, the Tigers reportedly dangled six years and $171.5 million last winter, a deal more generous in total dollars than Boston’s, but even that wasn’t enough to win him over.
Market Conditions Could Drive a Reunion
With options like Okamoto and Bichette no longer realistically available to Boston, and names like Suarez or Urias lacking the impact Bregman provides, the Red Sox are watching the field narrow. That may be why the team has circled back with renewed urgency, not necessarily with a long-term commitment, but perhaps with a high-AAV, opt-out-laced deal similar to last year’s structure.
Meanwhile, Bregman’s own suitor list has shrunk. The Blue Jays, once a plausible destination, are now off the board. The Diamondbacks, who had interest, may not have the financial room to add Bregman without moving Marte, which looks increasingly unlikely. The Cubs remain loosely in the mix, but like Boston, they appear hesitant to hand out a lengthy deal. Even the Phillies, who’ve been linked to Bo Bichette, haven’t made a clear move in Bregman’s direction.
A Familiar Fit May Be the Best Option Left
The forces are converging again: limited demand, fewer top-tier alternatives, and a player who already knows the system, the ballpark, and the expectations in Boston. For a front office still searching for a splash that doesn’t require a reckless long-term gamble, bringing back Bregman may be their most logical path forward.
The only real question now is whether either side will blink. If no other club is willing to outbid Boston, and if Bregman is willing to bet on himself again with a short-term, high-reward deal, don’t be shocked if this ends with another Red Sox press release and a returning star. The offseason may be winding down, but the Bregman-Boston saga might still have one more act.
