Coming off a terrific season with the Boston Red Sox, Alex Bregman is going to test free agency for the second consecutive year.
Per Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Bregman is exercising the opt-out in his contract to hit the open market with the goal of securing a lucrative long-term deal.
Bregman signed a three-year, $120 million contract with Boston in February. The deal included an opt out after the first season and a player option for 2027.
There were some rumblings during the 2025 season about Bregman and the Red Sox coming together on a long-term contract. He left the door open when asked about it during All-Star week.
“Maybe,” Bregman said. “I think for me, I’m focused on playing good baseball and trying to help this team win games. We’re obviously open to hearing whatever the Red Sox have to say.”
The addition of Bregman was a huge boon to the Red Sox. He had a .273/.360.462 slash line with 18 homers in 114 games and made the AL All-Star team.
Even with some bumps along the way, including a quad injury that kept Bregman out for seven weeks early in the season, the Red Sox were a playoff contender for the first time since reaching the ALCS in 2021.
Bregman had his best offensive season by OPS+ (128) since 2019 when he finished second in AL MVP voting. He’s also an above-average defender at third base.
Entering an offseason that looks to be light on position players, Bregman could be the most impactful player available depending on what to make of Kyle Tucker’s second-half swoon with the Chicago Cubs.
Given his all-around ability as a hitter and defender, Bregman is a star who can help transform any team that he plays on. He is using that leverage to explore free agency once again.
