Boston Red Sox fans' confidence that the team will reunite with Alex Bregman has varied much throughout the offseason. Especially after the Rafael Devers trade, many hope the third baseman returns to Boston for the rest of his career.
Another team has swooped into Bregman's market that has shaken Sox fans' hopes for a return. The Arizona Diamondbacks have expressed their interest in signing Bregman. While they may seem relatively non-threatening among the bigger market teams that have expressed interest in him so far, they unexpectedly signed last offseason's free agent ace, Corbin Burnes, and Bregman resides in Arizona during the offseason — if any mystery club were to lure him away from Boston, it could be Arizona.
Thankfully for the Red Sox fans who hope Bregman returns, the Diamondbacks' interest may be overblown at this point. John Gambadaoro, a radio host on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Phoenix, Tweeted on December 17 that he would categorize the D-Backs as a "longshot" in the Bregman market. He also noted that Bregman's agent, Scott Boras, could be using Phoenix for leverage to get some of the other teams in his market to inch their offers closer to his asking price.
Bregman's market is reportedly similar to last year's, with the Red Sox, Tigers and Cubs leading the race for his services. There have been varying reports on Chicago and Detroit's interest, however, while some Boston sources have attested that re-signing Bregman is it's new No. 1 priority after its early pitching additions.
Diamondbacks entering Alex Bregman market could be leverage play against Red Sox, who are still interested in Ketel Marte
As much as the Sox reportedly want Bregman back, they may be unwilling to meet his price and they've kept multiple infield options open. One of them could be the move that sends Bregman to Arizona.
Boston has had its eye on a potential trade for D-Backs second baseman Ketel Marte this winter. Multiple reports have stated it's unlikely that Arizona will sign Bregman and keep Marte, meaning the Red Sox trading for Marte could be the reason Bregman leaves.
MLB insider Ken Rosenthal reported that it's possible the Diamondbacks could field both players, but that the overwhelming assumption is that Marte will have to go to bring Bregman in (subscription required). Either infielder could be a fit with the Red Sox, and their decision could determine both of their fates.
Boston shouldn't have to feel too threatened by the Diamondbacks entering the Bregman market. Not only do the Red Sox have more than enough money to sign him at any price, the Diamondbacks' inclusion could be mostly a leverage play by Bregman's representation.
The Red Sox haven't signed a major free agent this offseason, and the clock is ticking for them to act like a serious team. Bregman suits their offensive and defensive needs being a right handed third baseman with 20-30 home runs in his bat, and the Diamondbacks getting in the way of a reunion should be out of the question for Boston.