Alex Bregman is a two-time All-Star and two-time champion, a defensive ace who's posted an OPS+ at least 15 percent above league average in eight of nine MLB seasons. Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora still covets Bregman for more than his on-field production.

Boston is in need of a right-handed hitter to balance its lineup and the longtime Astros star has hit well at Fenway Park.

Boston's seeming resistance to the free-agent infielder doesn't make a lot of sense for a team that could desperately use him.