Alex Cora isn’t mincing words about where things stand with Alex Bregman. The Red Sox manager delivered a six-word message that pretty much sums up Boston’s position on their top free agent target.
“The ball is in his court,” Cora said of Bregman.
That’s it. No pressure, no sweetening the pot. Just waiting.
The Red Sox have their offer on the table for the All-Star third baseman, and now it’s decision time. While Boston hasn’t splashed cash on outside free agents this winter, they’ve stayed busy with a couple trades involving the Cardinals and old friend Chaim Bloom. But Bregman? He’s the prize they’re really after.
It’s been a slow winter for the top free agents across the board, and Bregman’s no exception. The market’s moving at a crawl, but that might actually work in Boston’s favor.
The Landscape Is Shifting
What makes this interesting is how the third base market has evolved. The Phillies are making serious moves for Bo Bichette. Ketel Marte got pulled off the trade block. Kyle Tucker keeps getting linked to Toronto. The Yankees are talking with Cody Bellinger.
All of that means fewer landing spots for Bregman, which gives Boston some leverage.
The way I see it, a return to Boston makes the most sense right now. Bregman knows the organization, the coaching staff, and what he’s getting into. The question is whether he thinks he can do better elsewhere or if Boston’s offer is enough to get this done.
From where Cora’s sitting, they’ve done their part. According to Tim Healey of The Boston Globe, the manager’s message was clear – Boston isn’t feeling the need to bump up their offer.
That’s confidence. Or at least the appearance of it.
What Happens Next
Bregman’s got options, sure. But as other teams fill their needs and the market continues to move slowly, those options are getting narrower. He can take Boston’s deal and get back to a familiar situation, or he can keep shopping and see if someone else steps up with more money.
The thing is, this market hasn’t exactly been kind to players looking for premium deals. Sometimes the bird in the hand is worth more than whatever might be in the bush.
For now, Cora and the rest of the Red Sox organization are playing the waiting game. They’ve made their move, stated their case, and put the decision squarely on Bregman’s shoulders.
All things considered, that’s probably exactly where Boston wants this to be.
