The Boston Red Sox’s pursuit of free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman has encountered a significant development that could work in their favor. Recent reports indicate that the Detroit Tigers, one of Boston’s primary competitors for Bregman’s services, have reached a standstill in their negotiations with the two-time All-Star. According to the Detroit Free Press, the Tigers remain interested but have made no substantial progress as spring training approaches.
This stagnation in Detroit’s efforts presents a strategic advantage for the Red Sox. With the Tigers’ momentum halted, Boston has an opportunity to intensify its pursuit of Bregman, potentially positioning themselves as the frontrunner. The Red Sox have been linked to Bregman since November, and this development could catalyze more aggressive negotiations.
Complicating the situation, however, are internal divisions within the Red Sox organization regarding Bregman’s acquisition. Manager Alex Cora and team president Sam Kennedy are reportedly in favor of signing Bregman, citing his leadership and championship experience. Conversely, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow and some members of the baseball operations staff express reservations, particularly concerning Bregman’s declining on-base plus slugging (OPS) over the past two seasons—from .891 in 2022 to .768 in 2024.
Despite these internal debates, Bregman’s potential fit in Boston remains a topic of interest. His agent, Scott Boras, has suggested that Bregman is open to transitioning to second base, a move that could alleviate positional conflicts with current third baseman Rafael Devers. Boras highlighted Bregman’s versatility and leadership, stating, “You just don’t have many players on the dirt that do what he does.”
Moreover, reports suggest that Bregman may have a preference for joining the Red Sox. FanSided’s Cody Williams notes that the tea leaves indicate Boston is where Bregman wants to be, emphasizing his offensive success at Fenway Park, where he boasts a career 1.240 OPS in 21 games. This affinity for Fenway’s dimensions could make Boston an attractive destination for the veteran infielder.
Financial considerations also play a crucial role in this scenario. Bregman is expected to command a contract in the vicinity of $200 million over at least seven years. The Red Sox must evaluate whether this investment aligns with their long-term strategic goals, especially given their other roster needs. The Tigers’ hesitation, reportedly due to financial constraints, underscores the importance of this assessment.
In summary, the impasse in the Tigers’ negotiations with Alex Bregman offers the Red Sox a timely opportunity to advance their pursuit of the accomplished infielder. While internal discussions and financial considerations persist, the combination of Bregman’s positional flexibility, potential preference for Boston, and the current market dynamics could converge to facilitate a significant acquisition for the Red Sox as the offseason progresses.