According to longtime MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, that inaction might be a ploy from the Red Sox — especially if it leads to a desperate Bregman eventually lowering his contract demands with spring right around the corner.

The Boston Red Sox are patiently waiting out Alex Bregman's other suitors in their free agent pursuit, an MLB insider reports.

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.