The Boston Red Sox lost one of their best players this offseason when they failed to re-sign Alex Bregman in free agency, and many fans are angry that the team allowed its star third baseman to leave.
The latest comments from Red Sox president and CEO Sam Kennedy only added to that frustration. Bregman signed a five-year, $175M contract with the Chicago Cubs in January. The deal includes a full no-trade clause. There have been reports that the Red Sox refused to match the offer and were particularly reluctant to give Bregman a no-trade clause, which is why the 31-year-old left.
On Sunday, Kennedy was asked about losing Bregman to the Cubs. He began by praising the three-time MLB All-Star.
“We’re so grateful to Alex Bregman and what he meant to us. But, look, in the end when you have choices the way he did, you work really hard to be in a position to become a free agent and perform at that level,” Kennedy said. “He chose a different path and we wish him well. We’re looking forward to seeing him at the end of the season at Fenway.”
Kennedy was then asked if the Red Sox have an organizational policy to not give out full or partial no-trade clauses. He brushed the question off and said it was Bregman’s choice to leave.
“No. Look, if Alex Bregman wanted to be here, ultimately he’d be here,” Kennedy replied.