Boston Red Sox Third Baseman Alex Bregman Opts Out Of Contract
The Boston Red Sox had one of the more intriguing rosters in the league heading into 2025. Boston had a ton of young talent and decided to capitalize on it by adding proven veterans. Their biggest splash of the offseason came when they signed longtime Astros Third Baseman Alex Bregman to a three-year, $120 million contract. Adding Bregman created one of the more confusing infielders in baseball, but created a powerful offense, as they tried to win their first playoff series since 2021.
Red Sox Star Opts Out
Bregman’s deal with Boston included two opt-outs for the 2026 and 2027 seasons, as his agent Scott Boras wanted the star third baseman to have the chance to get a longer-term contract. Bregman also had a six-year, $171.5 million deal on the table from the Detroit Tigers, but chose to take his talents to Boston. He will most likely look for a five- to six-year contract, with the annual salary sitting around $35-$40 million per year.
He had a good season in Boston, but missed a significant amount of time due to a right quadriceps strain. Playing in 114 games, Bregman hit .273 with 18 home runs, 62 RBI, and an .821 OPS. Fenway Park proved to be a great place for him to play, with how much he pulls the ball to left field. If Boston wants to retain him, they’ll have to pay a big price.
Potential Suitors
The most obvious suitor remains the Boston Red Sox. Bregman was everything they could’ve asked for, and will be a big piece to the puzzle if the Red Sox want to make a real run at the World Series. Honestly, Boston could’ve made a deep run in the playoffs this year if it weren’t for Roman Anthony’s injury. Another thing to keep an eye on in Boston is what will happen with Trevor Story. Story can opt out and become a free agent this offseason, but Boston can void his decision with a club option. I’d expect the Red Sox to do everything they can to keep these two on the left side of the infield.
The runners-up will be the Detroit Tigers. Detroit showed a ton of interest last season, trying to reunite Bregman and AJ Hinch from their time together with the Astros. The question will be whether or not they’ll be willing to spend $30 million plus per season to land him. He would be a good pairing with Detroit’s young talent and would solidify them as the team to beat in the American League Central.
