Cubs Infielder Reveals Aggressive Recruitment Of Red Sox Target

The Boston Red Sox remain in pursuit of Alex Bregman, but the longer the All-Star remains a free agent, the more opportunity there is for another team to come in.

Bregman reportedly is seeking a long-term deal. The Astros and one other club reportedly offered the 30-year-old a six-year deal. However, Houston’s offer didn’t meet Bregman’s financial needs and the other six-year deal came from a team low on the veteran’s list.

It’s unclear where the Chicago Cubs are on Bregman’s shortlist. He does have former Astros teammates Ryan Pressly and Kyle Tucker on the team, and there is another player who he’s very close with who could entice him.

“Me and Bregman are actually really good friends. We work out in the offseason together,” Nicky Lopez told reporters, per Marquee Sports Network. “I’ve been talking to him pretty much every single day about it. It would be sweet to share a locker room with him. We share a close friend that’s actually his best friend; I played rookie ball with him. We have a close friend, but we were at Exos together this offseason. I would love for him to be in this clubhouse with us. He makes this team better. …”

The Cubs likely would need to get creative to make a Bregman deal work financially. But MLB insiders aren’t ruling them out of the sweepstakes for the two-time World Series champion as teams prepare for spring training this week. The Red Sox also are still in the mix and are committed to adding a right-handed bat. Whether or not that player is Bregman is a wait-and-see.