In the last weeks of 2025, it felt like most of the buzz in Alex Bregman's market wasn't going the Boston Red Sox's way.
The Toronto Blue Jays and Arizona Diamondbacks entered the picture alongside the Chicago Cubs and Detroit Tigers as potential suitors for Bregman. The Jays and Cubs are big markets and could easily compete with the Red Sox financially, but the D-Backs and Tigers are also intriguing candidates.
The new teams in Bregman's market along with December reports that the Red Sox are uncomfortable issuing long-term deals had Boston fans feeling pessimistic about the chances of a reunion. Buster Olney of ESPN has given Sox fans a reason to feel optimistic, however. On the January 2 episode of the "1st Up" podcast, Olney said he sees Bregman returning to Boston — and it could be sooner rather than later.
"I think that Alex Bregman's gonna go back to the Red Sox. From what I understand, the Red Sox have made an aggressive offer on him," Olney said.
Buster Olney reports that Red Sox have made 'aggressive' offer to Alex Bregman
There has been no report of the length and amount that Boston has allegedly offered Bregman. He sought a five or six year contract last offseason and likely hopes for something similar this winter. Last year, the Tigers offered him six years at a lower average annual value than the three-year, $40 million deal he signed with the Red Sox in spring training, and Bregman noted early this offseason that finding a club he can retire with is a top priority for him — another short-term, pillow contract won't do it.
The Sox have also reportedly checked in on Ketel Marte and Bo Bichette as potential Bregman replacements, but Bregman still makes the most sense. He fills a position of need at third base, he's right-handed, has years of playoff experience and he fit in so well with the team last season. The Red Sox have already made so many trades that it doesn't make sense to further deplete their farm system in a move for Marte while they have money to spend.
Olney has been the only major reporter to state that Boston has made an offer to Bregman, and hopefully, his report is true. The Red Sox's Bregman chases in this offseason and last have been long and drawn out emotional rollercoasters of leverage plays and fans are over it.
Signing Bregman is the easiest path to stronger offense and better defense, especially with Willson Contreras and Marcelo Mayer in two of the other infield slots. Reuniting with Bregman is the right decision for Boston, and it needs to make it before another team does.