The Boston Red Sox signed Alex Bregman to a three-year, $120 million deal last offseason. After slashing .299/.385/.553 with 11 home runs in his first 51 games, he is reportedly expected to opt out of his deal.

When the Red Sox traded Rafael Devers, they suddenly had more financial flexibility to pay Bregman. Bregman and his agent, Scott Boras, have noted their willingness to discuss an extension, according to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo.

The Red Sox could try to get an extension done soon, so that Bregman does not even have an opt out available after the season. However, The Athletic’s Jim Bowden polled 40-plus MLB executives, and some thought Bregman could actually be traded. Bowden noted that he would not be surprised if Bregman was traded if no extension was in place by the trade deadline.

If Bregman were traded, the Red Sox would essentially be giving up on the season. He is the best hitter on the roster, and the team is already in danger of fading out of contention. If the Red Sox go into negotiations and quickly realize the two sides are too far apart, trading Bregman for some return would be wise. Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer proposed this trade that would send him to the Chicago Cubs:

• Red Sox receive: DH Justin Turner and OF Owen Caissie (Cubs No. 1 prospect)
• Cubs receive: 3B Alex Bregman

The Cubs may only have one season with Kyle Tucker. They are going to try and keep him around, but there is no telling what can happen if he hits free agency. With that in mind, the Cubs may see this as an “all-in” year.

Matt Shaw was one of the team’s best prospects, so they are not going to give up on him. However, it’s hard to argue that Bregman would not better help them compete for a World Series this year.