The Boston Red Sox are on a roll, winning 10 games in a row. And now, as July 31 gets closer, whispers have started to spread that veterans Alex Bregman and Aroldis Chapman may be traded. But then, during the All-Star break, an MLB insider let the truth slip.

During Atlanta’s All-Star Week festivities, the whispers about the trade deadline grew. But as the show went on, Boston’s strategy became clear: No cuts, just reinforcement. And it was none other than Jeff Passan who made it clear.

ESPN insider Jeff Passan went on The Pat McAfee Show during the MLB All-Star Game celebrations in Atlanta on Monday. And there, he put those trade questions to rest. “Aroldis Chapman’s going nowhere, Alex Bregman’s going nowhere. They’re gonna add. And if they get another starting pitcher who can be at the top of that rotation with Garrett Crochet, Brayan Bello pitching so well, Lucas Giolito, the Boston Red Sox are legitimate World Series contenders.”

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Both Chapman and Bregman are the anchors for the Red Sox. Aroldis Chapman is the shutdown closer, and Bregman is the fiery leader at the hot corner.

Chapman, a veteran lefty, has been impressive this season so far. He has a 1.22 ERA, 0.76 WHIP, strikes out more than 13 batters per nine innings, saves 17 games, and has a 2.0 WAR. And Bregman? Before the right quadriceps injury in May, he was hitting .298 with 11 homers, 18 doubles, 35 RBIs, a .927 OPS, and 2.9 WAR in 53 games. Bregman wasn’t just hitting.  He was rallying the dugout and giving clutch production with experienced leadership. And now, with him making a comeback, the Red Sox will have it all. 

Even GM Breslow wants to see Bregman in Red Sox cleats for a long time. Just a few days back, he said, “I’ve been pretty outspoken about what he’s provided on the field and in the clubhouse. He’s a guy we would like to have here in a Red Sox uniform for a long time.”

So, does it mean the extension deal of Alex Bregman is on its way? Well, looks like it… But another voice from the MLB insider office says otherwise.

Bregman is safe in Boston, says Insider—But contract talks haven’t started

During the All-Star break in Atlanta, Passan made it clear that Bregman and Chapman are not going anywhere. And that the Red Sox are in build mode. The message was clear: Boston isn’t showing their cards; they’re building up their weapons.

But there is a strange twist to that strong stance. There have been no conversations for an extension. Jon Heyman of the New York Post wrote that “The Red Sox and Alex Bregman haven’t yet spoken about an extension.” This is unusual for a player of his level, also close to free agency.

Heyman also highlighted, “It’s rare a star of Bregman’s stature signs within months of unfettered (no qualifying offer attached) free agency. But there’s some chance, as both sides wouldn’t mind getting something done. The belief here is that with Bregman’s great start, a deal would likely have to be around $184M (what he offered to sign with the Tigers), or perhaps even $200M.” 

The GM has made it obvious that he wants Bregman to stay in Beantown for a long time. But the urgency is not there. Insider Heyman said it best: “rare” contract conversations are still going on right now. But with both sides interested and great productivity, this offseason might see a huge deal.

Think Breggy will continue with the Red Sox?