FORT MYERS, Fla. – The absence that has lingered over the Pink Sox world for the final 5 weeks was particularly distinguished on Sunday because the group held its first full-squad exercise of 2026.
The Pink Sox have an intriguing roster and the beginning rotation initiatives to be on the prime of the sport this season. What they now not have is Alex Bregman. And there’s actually no approach round that, it doesn’t matter what the Pink Sox say.
Bregman, 31, was integral to the membership’s success final season as an All-Star third baseman and righty bat within the lineup, however much more so due to his management and mentorship within the clubhouse. Everybody from pitchers, to hitters, to coaches raved about Bregman the “baseball rat,” and the way he made his teammates higher.
Although Bregman opted out of his three-year, $120 million contract on the finish of the season, he nonetheless hoped to re-sign with the Pink Sox and was keen to make sure concessions to take action, a number of sources mentioned.
Pressed for particulars on the failed reunion throughout his 25-minute media session Sunday morning, Pink Sox CEO and president Sam Kennedy intimated that it was Bregman’s camp that soured the offseason negotiations.
“We’re so grateful to Alex Bregman and what he meant to us,” Kennedy mentioned, “however when you might have selections the way in which he did – you’re employed actually onerous to be ready to turn out to be a free agent and carry out at that degree. He selected a unique path, and we want him properly.”
The sticking level within the Bregman-Boston negotiations was a no-trade clause. He wished the safety. A number of sources and experiences mentioned the Pink Sox refused, citing organizational coverage.
Kennedy was requested twice if it’s Pink Sox coverage to not give out no-trade clauses.
“If Alex Bregman wished to be right here, finally, he’d be right here,” Kennedy mentioned.
When the query was instantly posed once more, Kennedy mentioned: “We strive to not discuss organizational insurance policies and the finer factors of negotiations, as a result of it simply doesn’t serve you properly should you do this.”
Then requested if Bregman would have obtained a no-trade clause if he requested for one, Kennedy responded: “It’s theoretical, proper? It’s onerous to know. There’s many various components of a contract negotiation, so clearly he’s a Chicago Cub, and want him properly till the tip of the yr.”
A ultimate try to realize affirmation that Bregman had requested for the no-trade clause yielded extra of the identical.
“I don’t need to return and take a look at finer factors of negotiation,” Kennedy mentioned. “Simply need to look ahead and take into consideration the group that we now have in right here now.”
Kennedy believes “there’s no ceiling on the 2026 Boston Pink Sox.”
There’s no Bregman, both.
