The Boston Red Sox have been linked to free agent and longtime Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman for weeks to months.
Bregman's market has been relatively small for much of the winter with the Sox, Blue Jays and Tigers most often listed as the contenders for the veteran. MLB insider Ken Rosenthal accused the Red Sox of playing a game of "chicken" with Bregman and his representation because they've taken so long to ink the offseason's best fit for the team.
They've taken so long that a former contender has reemerged. Bregman declined a six-year, $156 million offer from Houston earlier in the offseason, which convinced some insiders that he was destined for Boston. But on Jan. 23, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reported that the veteran and the team with which he's spent his entire career have resumed discussions.
Spring training is just weeks away and Red Sox Nation was already beginning to panic about the lack of progress on a deal between the Red Sox and Bregman. The panic has intensified now, as Houston's six-year offer is likely far longer than anything Boston would be willing to give — Red Sox principal owner John Henry has spoken about his distaste for long-term contracts, which has been the only structure that top-tier free agents have been open to this year.
The latest on the Astros and Alex Bregman, who have re-engaged, according to three sources - https://t.co/ElUUbchyz2
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) January 24, 2025
Countless insiders and reporters have named Bregman as the best free agent fit for the Red Sox, and if they lose out on him to a team that was out of the running for weeks, it'll be an embarrassment. Boston has more than enough money and payroll flexibility to pay Bregman what he wants, and its hesitancy is nonsensical.
After the Red Sox traded four top prospects for lefty ace Garrett Crochet, they need to go all-in and upgrade the offense to make the move worth it. But all the front office has done is show its new acquisitions that it's afraid to invest to win, even after missing the postseason in five of the last six years.
The Astros have reentered the race for Alex Bregman as the Red Sox play a losing game
If anything, the Red Sox's current offense is worse than it was last year. They lost 2024 home run leader Tyler O'Neill to the Orioles and haven't signed a single righty bat to make even a dent in his 31-homer production. Bregman isn't a perfect fit in Boston, especially with its excessive infield depth and even more prospects on the way, but that's a risk it has to take to get back into contention in the American League East.
The Red Sox had plenty of opportunities to sign right-handed bats before the last minute. Teoscar Hernández and O'Neill could've been powerful additions to the outfield, but Boston dropped O'Neill completely to give all its attention to Juan Soto (whom there was little to no chance of signing in the first place) and didn't even try in Hernández's market.
If the Red Sox whiff on Bregman, Fenway Park will absolutely be emptier in 2025 than it's been in recent memory. And their blockbuster offseason trade will have been for nothing.