It was clear that Alex Bregman was the throbbing heart of Boston’s “win-now” vision from the minute they signed him in February. And he kept up the hype with a .938 OPS and 158 wRC+ across 51 games. The two-time All-Star gave the Red Sox precisely what they needed.

Then, on May 23, a quad strain happened, and there was no Bregman! After Bregman landed in IL, the Red Sox tried to fill in the gap with youngsters. But no one showed the ability to carry the 3B. And then the Devers trade! The result? A slump followed with 44–45. But now, Alex Cora is here with a glimmer of hope, updating about Breggy’s injury.

In a recent conversation, Cora shared the much-awaited news at Fenway Park. As disclosed in NESN, the skipper said, “Alex is back in Boston. He’s doing his rehab. I talked to him yesterday. A lot better, so we’re getting close.” Probably, a bit of a relief.

And with that, another question rolled on. Can he return by Monday? This time, Cora wasn’t straightforward. He replied with a grin, “Happy Fourth.” Still, the good news is that Bregman is in rehab, and he can return anytime. Let’s expect him against the Nationals or the Rockies. Shall we?

There’s no doubt that the Red Sox need him. They have been struggling offensively, scoring only 16 runs during a terrible six-game losing streak in late June. The team has relied on rookies like Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer, as well as veterans like Nick Sogard and Carlos Narvaez, to fix the problem. But consistency has been missing.

However, there were good games, too. Like the one against the Blue Jays on June 29, in which they outplayed them by 15–1. And then it was the win against by Reds 13-6 on June 30, and now, the latest one against the Nationals on July 4, where they won by 11-2. But their show has been like a rollercoaster…

Well, there’s more than just the bone-crushing irony of the Red Sox’s decline. Like their financial theatrics! Alex Bregman’s three-year, $120 million deal includes an opt-out clause after the 2025 and 2026 seasons. And now, with the trade deadline coming closer, whispers around A-Breg are only getting louder…

Multiple teams are looking to get the bat of Alex Bregman

With his record and performance, it should not come as a surprise, though. While Bregman might have enough alternatives, Boston should trade carefully to make the whole situation a win-win.

The first one in the option is the Seattle Mariners. They have many young players and want to upgrade their third base. And reportedly, they want Bregman. The New York Mets are also in the mix, with insiders suggesting trades that would send Starling Marte and Nolan McLean to the Red Sox.

There are also rumors that the Detroit Tigers, who almost got him last winter, could come back with a strong offer. And the Yankees? There is buzz around them, too, but money issues and the stadium’s fit could make those conversations less likely.

Now, according to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden, if Boston can’t agree on an extension with Bregman before the deadline, they “could move on…” 

Well, teams like the Mariners, Mets, Yankees, and Tigers are ready to jump. It would cost Boston more than a bat if they let Alex Bregman go. The only upside could be, obviously, if they receive someone worth that potential!