Alex Bregman was supposed to be the stabilizing force in the Boston Red Sox's clubhouse for years to come, which has made his free agency so ironic: it's been a fluctuating, stomach-turning, mysterious cocktail of worry for Red Sox fans who were once cozy and comfortable with the assumption that Bregman would re-sign.
Bregman opted out of his deal on Nov. 3. Six weeks later, he's still unsigned, and there are ominous signals everywhere indicating that a return to Boston is very far from guaranteed. For one, Boston's reported pursuit of All-Star infielder Ketel Marte suggests that they are preparing for a 2026 roster that doesn't feature Bregman on it.