Craig Breslow and the Boston Red Sox are on the verge of sealing the deal with Alex Bregman, delivering what sources describe as an “offer he can’t refuse” to the star third baseman, per the latest from The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey.

May 16, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman (2) runs out of the dugout before the start of a game against the Atlanta Braves at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

“The Boston Red Sox have made what they feel is a competitive offer to free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, a league source confirmed,” McCaffrey reported on Tuesday. “Now they’ll wait to see if Bregman agrees—but all signs point to this being the game-changer.”

This blockbuster proposal aligns with recent buzz that the Red Sox are going all-in on Bregman, the 31-year-old powerhouse who opted out of his previous deal after a stellar 2025 season in Boston. Last offseason, Bregman inked a three-year, $120 million pact with opt-outs, betting on himself to land a longer-term commitment. And now, it seems Boston is stepping up to make that vision a reality, pushing aggressively on the years to match Bregman’s reported desire for a five- or six-year extension that would carry him through at least his age-36 campaign.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – MARCH 31: Alex Bregman #2 of the Boston Red Sox bats against the Baltimore Orioles during their Opening Day game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 31, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland.

Bregman’s market has been scorching hot, but Boston’s offer—framed as both competitive and irresistible—could be the one that locks him in. Under Breslow’s leadership, the Red Sox have been cautious with long-term deals for players over 30, but this move signals a bold shift, especially with no sizable discount expected given the demand for Bregman’s services.

While McCaffrey notes a brief stalemate, with Bregman’s agent Scott Boras possibly angling for tweaks, insiders suggest the gap is closing fast. The Red Sox aren’t budging from their powerhouse pitch, and it might just be the Boras Vortex swirling toward a resolution in Boston’s favor.

For Breslow’s squad, walking away isn’t an option without major risks. Alternatives like trading for Bo Bichette—a .329 lifetime hitter at Fenway—would drain the farm system more than re-signing Bregman. Rumors of Arizona’s Ketel Marte persist, but his past clubhouse tensions could disrupt the positive vibe Boston is building around young stars like Roman Anthony.

The Red Sox are now the only team in baseball who have not signed a major league feee agent this offseason. I’d say they should be ashamed of themselves, but I don’t think they’re capable of feeling shame anymore. It is what it is and they are committed to their lousy approach. https://t.co/k1BbKBIxJc

— Matt McCarthy (@MattMcCarthy985) January 8, 2026

The landscape is shifting in Boston’s direction, too. Toronto’s recent signing of Japanese third baseman Kazuma Okamoto dims their interest in Bregman, and the Diamondbacks’ pursuit hinges on moving Marte, per MLB insider Bob Nightengale. Even the Cubs, eyeing Bregman amid Kyle Tucker’s likely exit and the trade of prospect Owen Caissie for Edward Cabrera, face stiff competition from Boston’s all-out effort.

Jul 20, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman (2) hits a three run home run against the Chicago Cubs during the eighth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

So, where does this leave Bregman? With an offer this compelling, his future in Boston looks all but decided. If he truly wants to stay, this is the moment—far better than chasing shadows elsewhere. The Red Sox could always pivot to Bichette, revisit Marte, or even tap the Cardinals for Brendan Donovan (after already snagging Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras from them this offseason). But with Boston as the lone team yet to ink a major free agent, landing Bregman would be the splash to energize the fanbase.

In 114 games last season, the 31-year-old Bregman dazzled with a .273 average, 18 homers, 62 RBIs, and an .821 OPS—proving he’s the cornerstone Boston needs for 2026 and beyond.