One reported reason talks between Red Sox, Alex Bregman have slowed

Boston reportedly doesn't want to sign Bregman to a deal longer than four years.

Alex Bregman and the Red Sox are not in agreement on the length of a potential deal. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

January 25, 2025

1 minute to read

At one time this offseason, it appeared the Red Sox could be in the driver’s seat to sign Alex Bregman. Now, things are a bit more complicated.

According to a report from The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier, though, it’s clear Boston’s front office has to shoulder its fair share of the blame for why talks with Bregman have slowed recently.

Speier reported Friday that while the Red Sox still have interest in Bregman, they haven’t been willing to offer a contract longer than four years in length. Bregman has reportedly already been offered five-year contracts from multiple teams, so it’s unlikely a four-year deal from Boston would lure Bregman to Fenway Park this spring.

Bregman has now re-engaged in contract talks with the Houston Astros as well, adding another barrier that could hinder the Red Sox’s ability to sign the former Gold Glove third basemen.

It was reported earlier this month that Boston may not be on the same page in terms of interest levels with Bregman, per MassLive’s Sean McAdam. Manager Alex Cora voiced his approval for the Red Sox to go after the player he managed in Houston, however other members of the organization reportedly weren’t as keen on making the move. That could also explain the hesitance to sign Bregman to a longer-term deal.

As it stands, Boston is still yet to add a solid right-handed bat to its lineup. That, along with upgraded pitching, was a top priority for the Red Sox heading into 2025, but as of January, the team has actually gone backward in that area. Boston lost its best right-handed batter, Tyler O’Neill, to the Baltimore Orioles this offseason.

Bregman has been a reliable bat his entire career; he averaged .260 last season, recording 151 hits and 26 home runs with 75 RBI. His defense would also be a major improvement for the Red Sox infield, even if he switches from third base to second, which is reportedly Boston’s plan if he’s signed.

If the Red Sox can’t find a way to sign Bregman, they’ll be running out of high-end options to upgrade the middle of their lineup. Spring training is less than a month away.