Latest Alex Bregman-Red Sox Contract Talks Update Not Encouraging

The latest update on contract talks between the Boston Red Sox and third baseman Alex Bregman is not encouraging.

“The Red Sox and Alex Bregman haven’t yet spoken about an extension,” the New York Post’s Jon Heyman reported Sunday.

“It’s rare a star of Bregman’s stature signs within months of unfettered (no qualifying offer attached) free agency,” Heyman continued. “But there’s some chance, as both sides wouldn’t mind getting something done.

“The belief here is that with Bregman’s great start a deal would likely have to be around $184M (what he offered to sign with the Tigers), or perhaps even $200M,” Heyman concluded.

But worry not, Red Sox Nation. Boston isn’t ready to throw in the towel just yet with the July 31 MLB trade deadline approaching.

“Bregman, too, would have no shortage of suitors,” Masslive.com’s Sean McAdam reported Friday. “Right-handed bats were the second-most prized target last summer after starting pitching and he brings the additional intangible of being a player with a winning history and a positive impact on culture.

“But while he has an opt-out after this season, it’s difficult to imagine the Red Sox not making their best effort to extend him and retain him,” McAdam added.

The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal agreed with McAdam. “For the Red Sox, trading Bregman makes no sense, even if they cannot sign him to an extension before the deadline, even if they stumble while facing a difficult schedule over the next three weeks,” Rosenthal concluded Friday.

Both Bregman and the Red Sox have expressed an interest in getting a new contract done. He signed a three-year, $120 million contract ahead of the 2025 season. The deal included an opt-out after each of the first two years.

The 31-year-old is flourishing in Boston, hitting .298 with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs.

Despite missing more than month with a right quad strain, Bregman earned a spot on the American League’s All-Star Game roster. He won’t play in the Midsummer Classic on Tuesday at Truist Park in Atlanta, Ga.

The three-time All-Star returned to Red Sox lineup on Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays, sat Saturday and played again Sunday as Boston extended its season-high winning streak to 10 games. Bregman is 2-for-8 since returning to the field.