Red Sox make infuriating decision with Alex Bregman amid nearly completed contract

Matt Sullivan

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Red Sox make infuriating decision with Alex Bregman amid nearly completed contract image

The Boston Red Sox losing Alex Bregman to the Chicago Cubs on a $175 million, five-year deal was a brutal reality for Red Sox fans.

Not only is Bregman now on another roster, but their alternative options are beginning to dwindle amid interest from other clubs.

But what makes this loss hurt even more is the report from Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe. Abraham's report reveals the Red Sox nearly signed Bregman this winter, if it weren't for one infuriating reason.

Red Sox missed Alex Bregman for infuriating reason

"He was prepared to accept five years and $165 million until the team balked at the no-trade clause and insisted on deferred payments that reduced the present-day value of the contract," Abraham reports.

If the Red Sox were just willing to give Bregman a full no-trade clause, they could've had him for $10 million cheaper than what the Cubs ended up signing him for.

And considering that Bregman signed his Cubs' deal with $70 million in deferrals, the Red Sox could've made the contract work easily when it comes to deferrals as well.

But the Red Sox front office didn't want to let up on either contract detail. They wanted to have the chance to trade him and add on a lot of deferrals.

Bregman is 32 years old and wants a final destination for his Major League career. A no-trade clause was a must, and the Red Sox didn't do it.

More: Red Sox linked to frustrating Alex Bregman replacements after Cubs deal

What makes this decision from the front office so infuriating is that they would've been able to re-sign Bregman if they just added that no-trade clause.

While it would've locked the Red Sox into Bregman, it would've been more than worth it considering what Bregman brought to the team in 2025.

Now, the Red Sox need to explore other additions to the infield, with Eugenio Suarez, the 34-year-old veteran slugger, the next best option.

Overall, this negotiation with Bregman has bee na complete disaster for the Red Sox. They lost their star third baseman and ruined their trust with the fan base.

Bregman wanted to return, and on a deal $10 million less than the one he took with the Cubs. But the Red Sox didn't want a full no-trade clause, and Bregman left for that one infuriating reason.

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Staff Writer