Updating December reports of Boston's frontrunner status post-Contreras trade, ESPN's Buster Olney says the Red Sox made an 'aggressive offer' to third baseman Alex Bregman on January 2—but MLB.com reports Toronto Blue Jays and Arizona Diamondbacks as pursuit leaders. Bregman, a 2025 All-Star for Boston (.273/.821 OPS, 18 HR), seeks six years after opting out of his deal.
ESPN insider Buster Olney reported January 2 that the Red Sox extended an 'aggressive offer' to free agent Alex Bregman, predicting a reunion: "I think Alex Bregman is going to go back to the Red Sox. They valued him last summer."
This contrasts with MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, who on the same day pegged the Blue Jays and Diamondbacks as "the two most aggressive clubs," with Boston a possibility. Interest persists from Cubs, Tigers (previously offered $171.5M/6 yrs, rejected), and others per Feinsand and Ken Rosenthal.
Building on prior payroll flexibility from acquiring Willson Contreras and new addition Sonny Gray, Boston chases Bregman (turns 32 in March), who replaced Rafael Devers at third in 2025 despite a quad injury and late slump (.187 in final 27 games). Manager Alex Cora praised his leadership: "The leadership part of it is real... He actually embraced the whole Boston thing."
After rejecting Astros' $156M/6 yrs last offseason for a 3-yr/$120M Boston pact with opt-outs, Bregman eyes his final big deal. Projections: 5 yrs/$170M (ESPN) or 6 yrs/$171M (The Athletic).