Alex Bregman's Free Agency Saga Drags On as Infield Market Stalls
Red Sox fans hoping to unwrap a new Alex Bregman deal before the holidays might want to temper expectations. With Christmas just around the corner, Bregman remains unsigned, and the path forward is anything but clear.
It’s been more than six weeks since Bregman opted out of the final two years and $80 million on his contract with Boston. Since then, the market around him has been fluid, unpredictable, and at times, downright confusing. What once looked like a three-team race between the Red Sox, Tigers, and Cubs has taken several turns - and now, it’s anyone’s guess where the three-time All-Star will land.
Tigers Cool Off, Cubs in Limbo, and the D-Backs Enter the Mix
For a while, Detroit and Chicago were seen as Boston’s biggest competition. But recent reports suggest the Tigers have cooled on Bregman, and the Cubs may not be as aggressive as once thought. Still, some around the league believe Chicago remains the most likely team to offer Bregman the long-term deal he’s seeking - reportedly a six-year contract that would take him through age 37.
Then came the Arizona Diamondbacks, who emerged this past week as a surprise contender. And according to multiple insiders, that interest is very real. The idea of Arizona acquiring Bregman without giving up Ketel Marte - as floated by Ken Rosenthal - raised eyebrows, especially considering Marte’s name has been heavily linked to Boston as a potential fallback if the Red Sox can’t bring Bregman back.
Infield Market Hits the Pause Button
Right now, the entire infield market appears to be in a holding pattern. According to MLB insider Francys Romero, teams are waiting to see what happens with Ketel Marte and Brendan Donovan before making major moves. Neither player appears close to being dealt, with Marte’s situation especially static despite exploratory interest from several clubs.
This stalemate has effectively frozen the market for infielders like Bregman, as front offices weigh their options and wait for the first domino to fall.
Boston’s Backup Plan?
The Red Sox have been consistently linked to Marte, particularly as a contingency plan if Bregman signs elsewhere. But if Arizona is both keeping Marte and pursuing Bregman, that would be a curveball few saw coming. It’s a scenario that would force Boston to look even deeper into the market - or perhaps reconsider its position on Bregman altogether.
And while nothing is imminent, this much is clear: the Red Sox aren’t the only team facing tough decisions. With the infield market jammed up, teams across the league are waiting for clarity - and Bregman, a proven veteran with a championship pedigree, remains at the center of it all.
Bregman’s 2025: Still Producing, Despite Injury
Despite missing time in 2025 with a quadriceps injury, Bregman still managed to put together a solid season. In 114 games, he slashed .273/.360/.462 with 18 home runs, 62 RBI, and a 3.5 WAR. His presence in the clubhouse was widely praised from the moment he arrived in Boston, where his leadership and postseason experience were viewed as invaluable assets.
Over his 10-year MLB career - the first nine spent with the Houston Astros - Bregman has carved out a reputation as one of the game’s most consistent and competitive infielders. With a career .272 average, 209 home runs, and 1,250 hits, he’s been a steady force on both sides of the ball. And let’s not forget: he played a central role in Houston’s two World Series titles.
What’s Next?
As we head into the final stretch of December, it’s clear that Bregman’s free agency isn’t wrapping up anytime soon. With the infield market in a holding pattern and teams still evaluating their options, it may be January - or later - before we get any clarity.
For now, it’s a waiting game. And for the Red Sox, the longer it drags on, the more complicated things could get.