How Closer’s Trade Market Makes Red Sox’s Alex Bregman Pursuit Complex

The Red Sox’s pursuit of Alex Bregman got a lot more complex this week.

Boston and the Detroit Tigers were viewed as the favorites for the All-Star infielder. MLB insiders pinned the Red Sox as the two-time World Series champion’s most likeliest destination. That was until the Astros re-entered the picture.

Despite signing Christian Walker and acquiring Isaac Paredes, Houston reportedly engaged in talks with Bregman with its six-year, $156 million contract still on the table. The feeling is mutual, but team chairman Jim Crane has been vocal about not pushing past the competitive balance tax. Enter Ryan Pressly.

The Astros reportedly worked hard Thursday and Friday to try to trade their closer. A deal with the Chicago Cubs reportedly was in the works, but the 36-year-old did not waive his no-trade clause, according to The Athletic. The two-time All-Star is weighing his options as he considers his career and his family’s ability to relocate.

Chandler Rome of The Athletic speculated on “Foul Territory” that Bregman could be enough for Crane to forget about the luxury tax. However, Houston’s ability to re-sign its star player could hinge on Pressly waiving his no-trade clause.

What complicates things even more is that The Athletic reported that the Tigers were interested in Pressly. Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reported that Detroit was interested in adding a high-end close, but Bregman remains its “top priority.” Does the Tigers’ reported interest in Pressly mean they’re out on Bregman?

That’s not so clear, but it makes things complicated for the Red Sox weeks before the start of spring training. It’s unknown if Boston submitted an offer to the 30-year-old, but it might have to move quickly to sign Bregman before the Pressly dominoes start to fall.