Sam Kennedy: Red Sox Would Welcome Alex Bregman

This post digs into Boston Red Sox CEO Sam Kennedy’s latest comments about Alex Bregman. Let’s see what that tells us about Boston’s roster moves, payroll choices, and the fallout from trading Rafael Devers.

We’ll look at just how close the club came to bringing Bregman back, how his five-year, $175 million deal with the Chicago Cubs shaped Boston’s offseason, and what’s next for a team still trying to balance salary flexibility with some real on-field power.

Kennedy’s stance on Bregman, no-trade talks, and the Sox’s approach

Kennedy got pretty candid. He said Bregman could’ve been a Red Sox if he wanted, but talks fizzled out after Bregman signed that five-year, $175 million contract with the Cubs in January.

Boston reportedly put a similar offer on the table. Kennedy wouldn’t say if the club’s hesitation around a full no-trade clause—something that was apparently a sticking point—really killed the deal.

He wouldn’t dig into the details, either. Kennedy said it wouldn’t help the team to go public with negotiation specifics or what-ifs.

He suggested the issue wasn’t about lacking ambition. It just came down to different terms.

Boston chased Bregman all offseason after he opted out of his three-year, $120 million deal with the Sox last spring. Reports say Boston offered five years and $165 million.

Kennedy thanked Bregman for what he did in Boston. He left things open, hinting fans will see Bregman again when the Cubs come to Fenway in September.

What the no-trade clause debate signals about Boston’s philosophy

Key takeaways include:

• The no-trade clause is still a big deal for Boston when it comes to chasing star players. It shapes how the team can make moves during the season, especially in a tough AL East.
• Kennedy’s tight-lipped approach says a lot. He wants to keep negotiation details private so Boston doesn’t tip its hand to other teams.
• Even with real interest in Bregman, the Sox are walking a line between locking in long-term contracts and getting immediate power in a division that’s always a dogfight.

Payroll reshaping: Devers trade fallout and the new roster build

The Devers trade stands as one of the franchise’s biggest moves in decades. It cleared more than $250 million from the payroll.

Most of the players Boston got in that deal are already gone. Only Jose Bello is left from that group.

The club has shifted resources toward younger players and core pieces with more long-term upside.

With that freed-up money, Boston extended Roman Anthony for eight years and $130 million. They also signed Ranger Suárez for five years and $130 million to beef up the rotation.

The only big offensive pickup this offseason? Catcher Willson Contreras, who hit 20 homers with St. Louis last year. That kind of sums up Boston’s focus: pitching depth and rotation stability over splashy bats.

Building a competitive roster: next steps for the Red Sox

Boston’s path forward is all about pitching and cost-controlled growth. Several factors will shape this, like the development of emerging players and whether the lineup can provide enough power to support a stronger rotation.

The big question? Can the team generate enough offense to get the most out of its pitching while battling through a tough division?

What the Sox need most to compete in 2024 and beyond includes:

• The starting group needs to be steady, and the bullpen has to be deeper for late-inning pressure.
• The lineup should deliver consistent offense, mixing veterans with rising stars who can drive in runs—without leaning too hard on just one slugger.
• The team needs a clear long-term payroll plan, so they aren’t boxed in financially when future winters roll around.

Kennedy pointed out that the Devers era changed how Boston handles its resources. The team’s optimism comes from a roster built for timely offense, strong pitching, and a careful approach to big negotiations.

Fans can expect a season where the Sox rely on depth, player development, and some strategic signings. The American League is always shifting, so staying competitive will take a bit of everything.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Red Sox CEO Sam Kennedy: ‘If Alex Bregman wanted to be here, ultimately, he’d be here’