Alex Cora, the Red Sox manager, has been tight-lipped about the team's pursuit of Alex Bregman since the end of the last season. However, at Fenway Fest on Saturday, Cora broke his silence and made it clear that the decision to re-sign Bregman lies with the player himself. "You've got to ask him," Cora stated, "the ball is in his court."
The Red Sox have been actively seeking to strengthen their lineup and rotation, making significant trades for Sonny Gray, Johan Oviedo, and Willson Contreras. With Opening Day approaching, the team is in the market for a single major offensive addition. Bregman, who played for the Red Sox in 2025 and expressed interest in returning, has been a top target. However, negotiations with the Diamondbacks, Blue Jays, Cubs, Tigers, and potentially other teams have been challenging.
Cora, who has a close relationship with Bregman dating back to 2017, has taken a hands-off approach this year. He has focused on non-business-related conversations with Bregman, including discussing the Miami Hurricanes' College Football Playoff run. While the Red Sox have had numerous meetings with prospective free agents, Cora emphasizes the importance of maintaining a personal connection with players.
The Red Sox would need to offer Bregman a long-term deal of five years or more to retain him. Despite recent shifts in the market, with Toronto and Arizona potentially stepping back from their pursuits, Bregman's unsigned status indicates that he and the Red Sox have differing views on his value. Bregman's decision to wait until mid-February to sign last year further suggests that he is not in a rush to make a decision.
Team president and CEO Sam Kennedy acknowledges the ongoing discussions about free agent signings and the lack of a deadline. He emphasizes that the Red Sox have made strategic trades to strengthen the team, and the process of building a roster involves both free agency and trades. The team's focus remains on finding the right fit for their lineup and rotation, with Bregman being a key player in their plans.
