The latest with the Red Sox and the trade deadline
The here and the now of the Alex Bregman conversation seems pretty straightforward. The third baseman will be returning to the Red Sox's lineup Friday after seven weeks away due to a quad injury.
The future for Bregman in Boston isn't so clear.
According to a major league source, the Red Sox and Bregman have yet to engage in discussions regarding a possible contract extension. The 31-year-old is currently playing under a three-year, $120 million deal that includes opt-outs after both the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
Bregman's agent, Scott Boras, recently told the Boston Globe that his client would be interested in talking about a contract extension, with the player echoing the sentiments a few days later.
"I always tell the team - and Alex directs me to tell then - we're always open to any conversation," Boras told the Globe. "Any player who plays well somewhere, it's something that's important for the team and important for the player. It's an additive."
Regarding some reports that the Red Sox might be open to dealing Bregman before the trade deadline, one team source flatly said, "That's not going to happen."
Despite missing the last 49 days, Bregman was named to the American League All-Star team after hitting .299 with a .938 OPS and 11 homers in 51 games. Due to his injury, he was replaced by Junior Caminero on the AL roster.