Craig Breslow’s Comments Diminish Red Sox’s Leverage in Alex Bregman Negotiations
With Pete Alonso and Jack Flaherty recently securing deals, Alex Bregman remains the most prominent free agent still on the market. His future destination remains uncertain, especially considering his representation by the notorious agent Scott Boras, known for securing massive contracts for his clients.
Among the teams consistently linked to Bregman this offseason, the Boston Red Sox stand out as a strong contender. Since November, speculation has swirled around Boston as a possible landing spot, and Bregman’s skill set still aligns well with the team’s needs. Although he would likely need to shift to second base—a position he has not played regularly at the Major League level—his offensive prowess and postseason experience would be invaluable to a Red Sox lineup in need of balance.
However, recent remarks from Craig Breslow, the Red Sox’s chief baseball officer, may have significantly weakened Boston’s bargaining position in negotiations for Bregman. Speaking on The Fenway Rundown podcast, Breslow openly acknowledged the team’s pressing need for a right-handed bat, essentially confirming what many already suspected—that the Red Sox see Bregman as a key missing piece.
> “We’re still very much engaged in trying to bring in a right-handed hitter, obviously one that we think can be a difference-maker,” Breslow stated. “We haven’t been able to line up (on that) yet, but the offseason is still underway. I think it’s fair to say that in some respects, maybe the roster is a bit incomplete. But we’re going to continue to work really hard to try to round it out.”
Breslow’s Admission Strips Red Sox of Negotiating Power
By openly admitting that the Red Sox are actively seeking an impact right-handed bat and that the roster remains incomplete without one, Breslow has essentially put the team in a vulnerable negotiating position. His comments not only confirm Boston’s interest in Bregman but also reinforce the notion that the team needs him rather than simply wanting him.
Boston boasts an impressive core of offensive talent, with players like Rafael Devers, Jarren Duran, and Triston Casas leading the charge. However, their lineup is overwhelmingly left-handed, making a right-handed power bat a crucial addition. Even top prospects such as Marcelo Mayer and Roman Anthony are left-handed hitters, reinforcing the need for more balance in the lineup.
With spring training fast approaching, Bregman stands as the lone elite hitter available. The alternative would be acquiring a right-handed bat via trade, but realistic options are limited. While a player like Nolan Arenado could theoretically fill the role, his declining production—evidenced by a .719 OPS in 2024—makes him a far riskier option. In contrast, Bregman remains a proven middle-of-the-order presence with championship experience.
Red Sox Face a Difficult Decision
Breslow’s candid admission leaves Boston with three potential courses of action—none of which are ideal from a leverage standpoint.
1. Meet Boras’ Demands – Bregman is represented by one of the toughest negotiators in baseball, and the Red Sox may now be forced to pay a premium to secure his services. Boras will undoubtedly use Breslow’s comments as leverage to drive up Bregman’s price.
2. Settle for a Lesser Option – If Boston refuses to overpay for Bregman, they could opt for a lower-tier right-handed bat. However, this would likely result in an underwhelming addition that fails to significantly impact the team’s competitiveness.
3. Do Nothing – The worst-case scenario would be for the Red Sox to enter the season without addressing their need for a right-handed hitter, potentially leaving their lineup unbalanced and struggling against left-handed pitching.
Before Breslow’s remarks, the Red Sox may have had some leverage in negotiations, as no other team appears to be aggressively pursuing Bregman. However, by publicly emphasizing their need for a right-handed bat, Breslow may have inadvertently shifted the power dynamic in Boras’ favor. Now, Bregman and his camp can push for a more lucrative deal, knowing that Boston’s front office essentially views him as a necessity rather than a luxury.
If the Red Sox hope to land Bregman without further damaging their leverage, they will need to act swiftly and decisively. Delaying the decision could further complicate negotiations, potentially leading to an even steeper asking price. While Bregman would be an ideal addition for Boston, securing him may now come at a higher cost—one that Breslow’s comments have likely made even steeper.
