Insider Reveals Alex Bregman Contract Wishes Amid Red Sox Pursuit
Bregman wants a long-term deal
The Boston Red Sox signed Alex Bregman to a three-year, $120 million deal last offseason, and after opting out, he is reportedly looking for a longer commitment.
According to The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey on Friday, Bregman is looking for a six-year deal. However, McCaffrey noted that his market this offseason is more “robust,” meaning it will be more difficult for the Red Sox to land him.
“Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras, has acknowledged his group has been in communication with the Red Sox since the start of the offseason,” wrote McCaffrey. “But without a qualifying offer attached like last offseason, Bregman’s market is more robust with the Chicago Cubs and now the Arizona Diamondbacks in the mix.”
Bregman had a resurgent season with the Red Sox. He posted an .821 OPS after having a .795 OPS over the last five seasons. It was his first All-Star season since 2019 with the Houston Astros. However, his biggest impact may not have even been on the field. He was a tremendous leader for the team and had a huge impact on the younger players.
“He’s like a coach, really,” Red Sox rookie Marcelo Mayer said to The Athletic in July. “I can’t really say enough of how much he’s helped not only me and Roman (Anthony), but the whole team. He has people coming in early and watching film, whether that’s me, (Jarren) Duran or whoever it may be. And I think he just sees the game at a super advanced level compared to most people.”
Bregman is reportedly the Red Sox’s top priority, but Craig Breslow and company may have to go out of their comfort zone to keep him. Under Breslow, the Red Sox have not been keen on giving out long-term deals to players over the age of 30, and that may be what it takes to get Bregman.
Breslow spoke highly of Bregman at the winter meetings, perhaps pointing to a willingness to consider signing Bregman to a longer deal. However, as more teams enter the mix, the better the offer will have to be.
“We had the chance to see up close what Alex can bring to a clubhouse, and what he can bring to the field,” Craig Breslow said on MLB Network on Dec. 10. “He emerged as a leader, especially among those young players. His impact on our team was huge. We obviously remain engaged in conversations, but how things will go, we’re not sure.”
The top of the free agent market has slowed down. However, after one of the big names signs, the rest could follow quickly. It has long been speculated that it will take a longer deal to land Bregman this winter, but a six-year deal going into his age-32 season could be seen as a risk.
