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52m ago

Alex Bregman Expected to Opt Out of Red Sox Deal, Setting Up Free-Agency Bidding

A near-certain opt-out would forfeit a remaining $80 million, triggering a competitive market.

Alex Bregman was arguably the Red Sox' best hitter in 2025, but his play tailed off in the final month of the season.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 02: Alex Bregman #2 of the Boston Red Sox grounds into a force out during the sixth inning against the New York Yankees in game three of the American League Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium on October 02, 2025 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
Alex Bregman, right, of the Boston Red Sox celebrates his homer with Trevor Story during the first inning of a MLB game in April against the Seattle Mariners at Fenway Park. (Photo By Matt Stone/Boston Herald)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 30: Alex Bregman #2 of the Boston Red Sox looks on during game one of the American League Wild Card Series against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on September 30, 2025 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)

Overview

  • MLB.com reported it is a near certainty Bregman will exercise his clause to test free agency without a qualifying offer attached.
  • The third baseman’s contract is three years at $120 million with an option to exit the final two years worth $80 million, including $40 million in deferrals.
  • Executives quoted by MLB.com projected a new guarantee well north of $80 million and floated a front-loaded five-year structure as a possibility.
  • Bregman earned an All-Star nod after a .299/.938 OPS first half, then missed seven weeks with a right quad strain and posted a .250/.724 OPS after returning, with a sharper dip over his final 35 games.
  • Teammates Garrett Crochet and Trevor Story urged the club to keep him, as reporting described Boston’s decision-makers as split on a long-term commitment despite payroll flexibility and interest expected from teams such as the Tigers, Cubs, Blue Jays, Mariners, Dodgers, and possibly the Astros.