Red Sox Rumors: Boston Was ‘Adamant’ About This In Alex Bregman Talks

The Red Sox really wanted Alex Bregman, but as they pursued the star infielder, they also had to think about their future.

Bregman long was viewed as a perfect fit in Boston. He swings an impactful right-handed bat, boasts a sure-handed glove and is a natural leader with championship pedigree. The two-time World Series champion also goes way back with Red Sox manager Alex Cora.

But despite all of those factors, it was previously fair to doubt Bregman’s chances of landing in Boston. The 30-year-old was rumored to be fixated on signing a very long-term contract, and such a deal didn’t make sense for the Red Sox. Craig Breslow and company reportedly made as much clear in conversations with Bregman and his team.

“As much as the Red Sox wanted Bregman, a team source confirmed that the club was adamant about not doing a deal for more than four years,” The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey wrote in a column published Sunday. “The Red Sox wanted flexibility with top infield prospects Kristian Campbell and Marcelo Mayer, two top 30 prospects in baseball, knocking on the door. They’d pay Bregman a high average annual value in a deal deep with deferrals, but the terms had to be shorter than Bregman was seeking from other teams.”

Ironically enough, Boston’s premier up-and-comers played a role in the Red Sox winning the Bregman sweepstakes. In a free-agent meeting, the 30-year-old specifically asked Boston brass about how it planned to be successful in the future. And with arguably the best farm system in baseball — headlined by Campbell, Mayer and Roman Anthony — that probably wasn’t a difficult pitch for the Red Sox to make.

All things considered, Bregman’s deal in Boston was a win for everyone involved. The Red Sox potentially will benefit from Bregman’s services across the next three years, over which time their top prospects can learn from someone who’s been there and done that in The Show.