Alex Bregman declines to reply to Sam Kennedy’s feedback

“I simply actually don’t wish to get into it. It’s not price it.”

Sam Kennedy advised reporters earlier this week that if Alex Bregman wished to be a Purple Sox this season, he would have been. AP Picture/Nam Y. Huh

Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman isn’t concerned about discussing why he didn’t re-sign with the Purple Sox this winter.

Purple Sox president Sam Kennedy not too long ago spoke in regards to the group’s failure to retain the 31-year-old in free company earlier this yr. Kennedy implied that Bregman selected to go away Boston when talking with reporters in Florida this week.

“If Alex Bregman wished to be right here, in the end he’d be right here,” Kennedy mentioned.

Kennedy’s choice to publicly supply Boston’s perspective on the Bregman entrance, over one month after Bregman signed a contract with the Cubs, drew loads of on-line consideration. Followers have provided their opinions after which some since Kennedy spoke, however Bregman mentioned he doesn’t wish to supply a rebuttal.

“I simply actually don’t wish to get into it,’’ Bregman advised USA As we speak’s Bob Nightengale when requested if he would have stayed with the Purple Sox if the group matched the Cubs’ supply. “It’s not price it.”

Bregman obtained a no-trade clause from Chicago, one thing Boston unnoticed of their supply. Having that no-trade safety was vital to Bregman, so he left the Purple Sox after one season.

Nevertheless, Bregman mentioned his choice to signal with the Cubs didn’t solely must do with the truth that they gave him the no-trade clause. He declined to enter element.

“It was extra than simply that,” Bregman mentioned.

In September final yr, Kennedy confidently advised WEEI that each Boston and Bregman wished to stay collectively in 2026. He had a a lot completely different tune 5 months in the past in comparison with the current day.

“That’ll all care for itself,” Kennedy mentioned. “He needs to be right here, we wish him to be right here, and I’ll depart it at that.”

The Purple Sox reportedly believed Bregman and his agent, Scott Boras, had been bluffing when the camp advised Boston that they had a greater supply than the one they offered this winter.

“The Purple Sox had been assured that they had the best bid, and thought they’d (be) bidding in opposition to themselves,” Nightingale wrote. “So, mainly, it was (a) take-it-or-leave-it supply.

“Bregman left it.”

Regardless of Kennedy’s feedback from September about Bregman wanting to remain a Purple Sox, Bregman mentioned he really wasn’t so positive.

“I didn’t know, I actually didn’t know,” Bregman mentioned. “I clearly liked my time there. Love all the guys there. Love AC [manager Alex Cora]. I’ll all the time cherish it.”

A proper quad pressure Bregman suffered in Could sidelined him till simply earlier than MLB’s All-Star break, however the 3B was an especially vital a part of the 2025 Purple Sox’ story.

On the sector, he batted .273 with an .822 OPS, 18 residence runs (workforce’s third-most), and 62 RBI. Bregman drew 51 walks and dedicated 9 errors at third (.969 fielding share). It could be tough for many gamers to fill former face of the franchise Rafael Devers’s sneakers within the beginning lineup and positionally, however Bregman did that when wholesome.

Off the sector, Bregman took it upon himself to basically coach younger gamers like Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer. His veteran standing, historical past of successful, and management qualities made him concerned about getting essentially the most out of Boston’s younger core throughout his transient tenure.

“He’s like a coach, actually,” Mayer advised The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey final July. “I can’t actually say sufficient of how a lot he’s helped not solely me and Roman, however the entire workforce. He has folks coming in early and watching movie, whether or not that’s me, [Jarren] Duran or whoever it might be. And I feel he simply sees the sport at an excellent superior degree in comparison with most individuals.”

On the time, Anthony mentioned he appreciated Bregman’s assist, although it wasn’t mandatory.

“He doesn’t must exit and assist Marcelo and me, however he goes out of his solution to do it, and that’s why he’s a winner,” Anthony mentioned.

McCaffrey additionally famous that Bregman didn’t simply assist rookies, but in addition veterans like himself. Trevor Story additionally recognized instances when Bregman gave his perspective on Story’s hitting method.

Bregman is on to Chicago, although. The Cubs boast a proficient, younger squad, too, and Bregman mentioned he’s excited to play with them.

However, there are not any laborious emotions on Bregman’s finish in terms of the Purple Sox.

“Enjoying at Fenway is unbelievable,” Bregman says. “The followers in Boston are unbelievable. My teammates had been unimaginable. I’ll be a fan of theirs for all times. I liked enjoying for AC and the teaching workers there. They imply quite a bit to me.”