MLB Rumors: Why Red Sox’s Contract Offer Made Alex Bregman Uncomfortable

The Red Sox reportedly made Alex Bregman a contract offer, but it wasn’t enough to keep the 2025 MLB All-Star in Boston.

Boston offered Bregman a five-year, $165 million contract, according to multiple reports. However, according to WHDH Boston’s Ari Alexander, the offer included “heavy deferrals” and thus “took the present value below where Bregman was comfortable.”

The Chicago Cubs reportedly gave Bregman a five-year, $175 million deal. 

MLB source confirms the Red Sox final offer to Alex Bregman was for 5 years, $165 million, but the heavy deferrals took the present value below where Bregman was comfortable. pic.twitter.com/fgV5xZ5d8h

— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) January 11, 2026

Alexander’s report is similar to that of New York Post’s Jon Heyman, who reported the Red Sox offered Bregman five years and $160 million. Heyman did not cite an exact figure in regards to deferrals, but acknowledged they likely were present.

The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reported Bregman’s deal with the Cubs includes $70 million in deferrals.