The Boston Red Sox fell short in their pursuit of Alex Bregman, who signed a five-year, $175 million deal with the Chicago Cubs. A key factor was Boston's refusal to include a no-trade clause, which Bregman demanded.

Bregman's departure leaves a major gap at third base for Boston. The 31-year-old had opted out of his $40 million player option after a strong start to the 2025 season, before a quad injury derailed his summer.

Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow acknowledged the disappointment but emphasized long-term organizational decisions. The team now shifts focus, seeking alternatives to upgrade the roster ahead of the 2026 season.