In a column for “The Athletic,” Boston Red Sox beat reporter Jen McCaffrey confirmed that the Red Sox have made what they deem an “aggressive offer” to All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman. Now, the Sox are reportedly holding their ground with that offer, solely waiting on Bregman’s decision as of early January.
Though the specifics of the offer to Bregman’s camp haven’t been made public, but his apparent market value at the start of the offseason was rumored to be in the neighborhood of six years at $171 million.
With all sides continuing to posture, the Red Sox seem content with their offer to Bregman. Whether that confidence stems from the front office’s belief that they have the best offer out there or if it is a false sense of bravado, Craig Breslow and company seem unwilling to waver from their position.
Bregman’s Timeline, Goal In Free Agency
Last winter, Bregman remained on the free agent market until February 15, very late in the process and just before Spring Training got underway. Bregman is represented by Scott Boras, an agent infamous for his bold negotiation tactics and willingness to push teams to the brink in their pursuit of his clients.
Hopefully for Boston, Boras is playing his cards close to his chest, giving other teams their chance to make matching offers and not just flat out denying the Red Sox bid.
Bregman will turn 32 years old just before the onset of the 2026 season. Because of this, it’s likely that he and Boras are being extra cautious in negotiations so that he can get the long term deal he’s looking for. Any short term deal at this point of Bregman’s career is basically just leaving money on the table. He won’t have nearly as much value if he signs a deal less than three years.
That’s where the Red Sox messed up last season. They should have gone long-term instead of offering the three-year deal with the opt out after year one. By doing this, they gave Bregman all the power this offseason, especially considering how valuable he proved to be both on and off the field for the Sox in the 2025 season.
Now, the ball is in Bregman’s court. It’s completely up to him where he decides to go.
And be absolutely sure that he won’t be taking a hometown discount to stay in Boston.
Red Sox Could Pivot to Bo Bichette if Bregman Leaves
According to McCaffrey, Bo Bichette remains the Red Sox top contingency plan if the Bregman deal falls through. Bichette would certainly require a much lengthier deal as he’ll be turning 28 at the start of this season.
Bichette is a scheme fit for the Red Sox in both the field and the lineup, especially if Bregman is gone. We’re currently looking at a Boston team that will be forced to start Ceddanne Rafaela at second base if they can’t lock up another consistent infielder this offseason. Rafaela is one of the best centerfielders in the MLB, and they’d certainly like to keep him there.
If Bregman re-signs, he’ll go back to third base while Marcelo Mayer will be the starting second baseman. If the Sox get Bichette, he’d likely be the everyday second baseman with Mayer holding duties at third.
Bichette is reportedly looking for an eight-year deal, which would be far and away the longest contract signed by Craig Breslow in his tenure with the Red Sox.
If Boston wants to quit posturing like a small market team they need either Bregman or Bichette in their lineup come opening day.
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