The Boston Red Sox are staring down a pivotal offseason decision, and it centers around a familiar name: Alex Bregman.
After a rollercoaster 2025 campaign, Boston’s front office-led by chief baseball officer Craig Breslow-is feeling the pressure to keep one of its most productive and recognizable players in town. Bregman, who just wrapped up his first (and possibly only) year in a Red Sox uniform, opted out of the final two years of his three-year, $120 million deal, leaving $80 million on the table. Now, he's back on the market, and Boston is trying to bring him back-this time with even more urgency.
Why the desperation? Well, Breslow swung and missed on a couple of key targets early in free agency, including slugger Kyle Schwarber and first baseman Pete Alonso.
Both were high-impact bats that could’ve reshaped Boston’s lineup. With those options now off the board, the importance of re-signing Bregman has skyrocketed.
But it won’t be easy. The market for right-handed power and veteran leadership is thinning fast, and Bregman checks both boxes. That’s drawn interest from other clubs, notably the New York Mets and Seattle Mariners.
The Mets, in particular, are in a tough spot. They’ve lost Pete Alonso-who leaves as the franchise’s all-time home run leader-outfielder Brandon Nimmo (traded to the Rangers in the Marcus Semien deal), and All-Star closer Edwin Diaz (now with the Dodgers).
That’s a lot of talent out the door, and Bregman could represent a stabilizing force both on the field and in the clubhouse. He’s the kind of player who brings edge, leadership, and playoff experience-exactly what a fractured Mets roster could use.
Seattle is also reportedly on the lookout for right-handed pop and a third baseman, though it’s unclear how aggressive they’ll be in the Bregman sweepstakes.
A year ago, Bregman was one of the most sought-after names in free agency, with Boston, Detroit, and Chicago all in the mix. He ultimately chose Boston, but with his opt-out, the door is wide open again. This time around, the Cubs appear content to roll with rookie Matt Shaw at third, while Detroit and Boston are both circling back.
As for the price tag? It’s not expected to approach the $40 million per year Bregman walked away from.
But don’t expect him to come cheap, either. Current projections suggest he could land a six- or seven-year deal worth close to $30 million annually.
That’s a big commitment for a player entering his age-32 season, especially one who missed nearly two months this past year with a quad strain.
Still, Bregman’s 2025 numbers were strong. He slashed .273/.821 and launched 18 homers with 62 RBIs-his best offensive output since 2019.
He also earned his third All-Star selection and reminded everyone why he’s one of the game’s most well-rounded third basemen. His defensive chops haven’t faded either, with a Gold Glove already on his resume, along with a Silver Slugger and two World Series rings from his time in Houston.
For the Red Sox, this is more than just about numbers. Bregman brings a championship pedigree and a level of intensity that Boston’s young core can feed off. With the team still in a transitional phase, keeping a player like Bregman around could help bridge the gap between rebuilding and contending.
Whether Boston can close the deal-or whether another team swoops in with a bigger offer-remains to be seen. But one thing’s clear: letting Bregman walk a second time would leave a hole the Red Sox might not be able to fill this offseason.