The Red Sox’s Pursuit of Alex Bregman: Is the Deal Hanging in the Balance?
Published: January 10, 2026, 12:57 p.m.
By Chris Cotillo | ccotillo@MassLive.com
The Red Sox have been playing their cards close to their chest regarding a potential reunion with Alex Bregman, but manager Alex Cora’s recent comments suggest the ball is now firmly in Bregman’s court. But here’s where it gets controversial: are the Red Sox doing enough to secure the deal, or is Bregman’s value simply too high for even a powerhouse like Boston?
Since the end of the 2025 season, the Red Sox have been tight-lipped about their efforts to bring back Alex Bregman. However, at Fenway Fest on Saturday, Cora spoke with uncommon candor. “You’ve got to ask him,” Cora said, shifting the focus squarely onto Bregman. “The ball is in his court.” This statement comes on the heels of significant roster moves, including trades for starting pitchers Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo, as well as first baseman Willson Contreras, all aimed at bolstering the team’s chances for the upcoming season. Yet, the Red Sox are still in the market for one major offensive addition before Opening Day, with Bregman and Bo Bichette emerging as the top contenders.
Bregman, who thrived in Boston during the 2025 season, has expressed interest in returning. However, negotiations have stalled, with the Diamondbacks, Blue Jays, Cubs, Tigers, and potentially other teams also vying for his services. Reports of an “aggressive offer” from the Red Sox have surfaced, but so far, no deal has been struck. Cora’s comments imply that the team feels they’ve done their part, leaving the decision up to Bregman. “We’ve been working together to see what happens,” Cora explained, “but it’s a different offseason for Alex. You guys know how I feel about him. Last year, he exceeded expectations in ways many didn’t see coming.”
And this is the part most people miss: Cora and Bregman share a history dating back to 2017, when Cora was Houston’s bench coach during Bregman’s breakout season. Cora played a key role in recruiting Bregman to Boston last year, when the 31-year-old signed a three-year, $120 million deal with an opt-out after 2025. This year, however, Cora has taken a more hands-off approach, keeping conversations focused on topics outside of baseball. Their most recent chat? Cora’s alma mater, Miami, and its College Football Playoff run.
“I just let him work last year,” Cora said, carefully navigating the constraints of discussing free agents. “I love the player, we love the player. We’ll see what happens.” To retain Bregman, the Red Sox would likely need to offer a long-term deal of five years or more, a commitment that could be influenced by recent market shifts. Toronto’s signing of Kazuma Okamoto and Arizona’s reluctance to spend big on free agents may work in Boston’s favor. Yet, Bregman’s unsigned status suggests a stalemate over his value, and his history of waiting until mid-February to sign last year indicates he’s in no rush.
But here’s the real question: Is Bregman worth the wait and the price tag? Or should the Red Sox pivot to other options like Bo Bichette? Team president and CEO Sam Kennedy remains unfazed, noting, “We’re still in January. There’s no deadline to sign free agents. We’ve made trades that we believe will strengthen the team.”
As the offseason continues, the Red Sox’s pursuit of Bregman remains a central storyline. Will they land their man, or will this high-stakes game of chicken end with a surprise twist? Only time will tell. What do you think? Is Bregman worth the Red Sox’s aggressive pursuit, or should they explore other avenues? Let us know in the comments!
