Red Sox Star Pauses Contract Extension Talks

Alex Bregman has no plans to discuss a contract extension with the Boston Red Sox until after the season, choosing instead to keep his attention on the stretch run.

Since returning from a strained right quadriceps in July, the 31-year-old third baseman has hit .282 with a .346 on-base percentage, .451 slugging percentage, three homers, three doubles and 11 RBI over 20 games entering Saturday.

“Obviously, we’re open to talking [when the season is over],” Bregman told the Boston Globe’s Tim Healey. “But for the next few months, I’m just really focused on the baseball.”

Before the injury, he was producing at an even higher clip, earning an All-Star nod and building on a resume that includes two World Series titles, a Gold Glove, a Silver Slugger and the 2018 All-Star Game MVP.

Signed to a three-year, $120 million contract in February, Bregman can opt out after each of the first two seasons, a clause fueling speculation about his long-term future in Boston. While his agent Scott Boras has shown openness to talks, Bregman has made clear he will wait until the offseason.

Beyond the stat sheet, Bregman has become a veteran anchor in a clubhouse with rising prospects like Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer and Kristian Campbell. His leadership has drawn praise from manager Alex Cora, who credited him with keeping the team focused in high-pressure months.

Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow acknowledged the uncertainty but echoed Bregman’s priorities in an appearance Friday on MLB Now.

“We’ll continue to watch that situation unfold and have the conversations that we need to have with Alex, kind of as appropriate and when appropriate,” Breslow said. “But right now, Alex’s focus is on the field. Our focus is on putting our team in the best position that we can to win games.”

For now, both sides appear content to let the playoff chase play out before turning to the negotiating table.