The Boston Red Sox still have not signed Alex Bregman, with just days until spring training is set to begin. Neither has any other club, though.
The veteran third baseman has had a relatively small market for most of the offseason, with the Red Sox, Astros, Tigers, Blue Jays and Cubs all in the race to sign him at one point. Most of those teams remain connected or were recently connected to Bregman, but none seem willing to meet his asking price of $200 million.
MLB insider Bob Nightengale on Feb. 9 reported that the Red Sox, Tigers and Astros have all made the 30-year-old offers of at least four years, but none have reached the $200 million mark. Houston has had a six-year, $156 million pact on the table for much of the winter, but it's been "openly pessimistic" about its chances of a reunion with Bregman.
The Cubs pursued Bregman in hopes he'll accept a shorter deal in the three-year range, which the Red Sox would likely prefer, as well. Boston hasn't been in the business of giving out long-term free agent deals since it signed Trevor Story to a six-year pact before the 2022 season. His deal hasn't worked in the Sox's favor, and they've pivoted to mostly short-term contracts for free agent talent since.
Red Sox, Tigers and Astros have made offers of 'at least for years' to Alex Bregman
Boston and Chicago are in a similar boat in the Bregman race. The two squads have missed the playoffs three and four years running and have big-market money to spend, but their owners prefer to focus on "[breaking] even every year," as Tom Ricketts said.
Bregman isn't a great long-term fit for the Red Sox, which explains some of their hesitation to sign him. Rafael Devers, the unwilling "face of the franchise" in Boston, plays third base with no clear willingness to move positions. Bregman could also block top prospects' path to the major leagues, such as Kristian Campbell, if the Sox have to play him at second base.
After missing the playoffs for three seasons, the Red Sox should be in "win now" mode — or they should have been before the last minute. They could've signed Teoscar Hernández for less time and money than Bregman demands, and both would've been a better fit for the team's needs.
At the same time, Bregman's market has decided what he's worth. Boston, Chicago, Detroit and Houston do not appear likely to budge from their previous offers to the veteran, and he'll have to choose between the last remaining interested parties. The Red Sox are still in the mix, but maximum earnings are Bregman's top priority, he could be destined for the Blue Jays or a return to the Astros.