The Boston Red Sox are entering a major turning point this winter as their star player, Alex Bregman, officially announced he will become a free agent after deciding to opt out of his contract for two years. Yahoo Sports+1 What has all eyes on Boston is the reaction from manager Alex Cora, who said he “texts with Bregman every day” and remains a strong believer in his continued presence.
Cora, who has a close relationship with Bregman since his time as a coach in Houston, couldn’t hide his admiration: “He’s a leader, a real player, a great defensive player … he really gets Boston — his time at Fenway, his work with Sam Adams — he’s imbued with the Red Sox spirit,” Cora said on the Section 10 podcast.
Bregman had a strong season with the Red Sox, hitting .273 with 18 home runs and 62 RBIs in 114 games, and serving as a morale booster in the locker room. Boston.com However, his form declined toward the end of the season, hampered by a quad injury, and he hit just .187 in his final 27 games.
With his opt‑out, Bregman is expected to seek a bigger, longer contract — sources have speculated he could be on the radar of teams like the Detroit Tigers, Seattle Mariners, or even return to Boston if the Red Sox are willing to pay. Boston.com+1 Notably, Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras, said his player is “open to any offer” — including re-signing with the Red Sox if it makes sense.
Cora isn’t worried, though. “I’m going to stay very positive,” he said on the 310 to Left podcast. “This is a guy who chose us for the right reasons — he wants to play at Fenway, he wants to feel a sense of belonging.” Boston.com+1 The relationship Cora and Bregman, built during their time in Houston, continues to be seen as a fulcrum for the third‑baseman’s future in Boston.
In addition, off the field, Bregman is more than just a hard hitter; he’s also a leader, speaking with young players like Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer, and Kristian Campbell with sincerity and experience. Boston.com His presence has been instrumental in helping the Red Sox return to playoff contention after years of waiting.
However, Boston cannot take the challenge lightly: if Bregman leaves, they will lose a huge part of their structure both on the field and in the locker room. Re-signing him to a new contract – if possible – will be the deciding step between maintaining the current roster or opening the door to a complete restructuring strategy.
Now, the MLB winter transfer market is heating up: the Red Sox have the money and the momentum, but Bregman also has the right to demand as much as he can. Will Cora convince his old friend to stick around? Or will Bregman find a new home where he can secure a long-term future? The coming days will be crucial — and Boston fans are watching every text message, every negotiation as if it were a dramatic drama in the heart of Red Sox Nation.
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