A notable Boston Red Sox insider explained this week why Alex Bregman taking his talents to Arizona to play for the Diamondbacks is a very real possibility soon.
A year ago, the Red Sox got bold — something they haven’t done as much in recent years — and not only made a blockbuster trade for Garrett Crochet, but they gave two-time World Series champion Alex Bregman a massive three-year deal worth $120 million.
The hope was that the three-time All-Star could bring the veteran leadership they badly needed, and after they traded away unhappy star Rafael Devers, Bregman was a key part of a massive change in the clubhouse culture in 2025. The united front played a major role in an 89-win season and reaching the playoffs in October.
However, the massive deal the Red Sox gave the infielder included a player opt-out that the 31-year-old exercised to test the open market again this year. And without draft pick compensation tied to him this time around, the interest has been strong. Furthermore, there was a surprising addition to the chase this week in the Diamondbacks.
Alex Bregman stats: .273 AVG, .360 OBP, .462 SLG, .821 OPS, 18 HR, 62 RBI, 64 R
On the surface, it would not seem like Arizona would be a serious threat to Boston for Bregman. But on Friday, The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey explained why there are several reasons why the Red Sox should be worried about the Diamondbacks pursuit.
Firstly, Alex Bregman lives in Arizona during the offseason and owns a workout facility there. He also has two very young children — a four-year-old and one year old. Joining the Diamondbacks could mean being near them for much of the year, since the DBacks also stay in the state during spring training.
Arizona also includes a pair of high upside rising stars that Bregman can scratch the veteran leader itch with in Geraldo Perdomo and Corbin Carroll. McCaffrey claims he took great satisfaction in being a leader and building a relationship with the Red Sox’s youngsters, including Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer.
The Red Sox can win a bidding war, but if things are close, Arizona offers some major incentives that Boston cannot.
