Sign up for the Today newsletter
Get everything you need to know to start your day, delivered right to your inbox every morning.
Alex Bregman opts out of Red Sox contract, will hit free agency
“I think that impact and influence has rubbed off on his teammates, and by all accounts, he’s loved his time in Boston."
The first domino of the Red Sox offseason has dropped, as a league source confirmed to The Boston Globe that third baseman Alex Bregman is opting out of his current Red Sox contract and will officially become a free agent this offseason.
Bregman, who will be 32 at the start of the 2026, had two years and $80 million left on the deal that he originally inked with Boston at the start of spring training in February.
But, given that Bregman’s initial three-year pact with Boston included opt-out clauses after both the 2025 and 2026 seasons, it became rather evident that the veteran was looking to cash in on a longer (and potentially more lucrative) contract once again this winter or next.
Advertisement:
Bregman helped raise his stock again this summer as one of the leaders on a Red Sox team that punched its ticket to the postseason for the first time since 2021.
He slashed .273/.360/.462 with 18 home runs, 62 RBIs and an OPS of .821 across 114 games with Boston in 2025.
However, his numbers took a hit after he was sidelined for seven weeks with a quad injury. After batting .299 with 17 doubles, 11 home runs, and 35 RBI over his first 51 games, Bregman slashed just .250/.338/.386 with seven home runs and 27 RBI over his last 63 games upon returning from his injury.
But, the writing is on the wall that Bregman is set to cash in this offseason — given his appeal as a veteran leader who complements those intangibles with plus defense at the hot corner and plenty of pop at the right side of the plate.
Advertisement:
“Obviously, Alex has the right, as structured in his contract, to opt out and he’s going to do what’s best for his family,” chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said in October of Bregman’s future. “I will not miss an opportunity to talk about his contributions on the field, in the clubhouse, to the coaching staff, to the front office. Every conversation we’ve had, I learned something.
“I think that impact and influence has rubbed off on his teammates, and by all accounts, he’s loved his time in Boston, as well. We’ll let that play out. But the significance would be having a great player, a proven winner, a strong defender, someone who fits this park really well on our roster.”
While the Red Sox will likely make a concerted effort to retain Bregman — especially after trading their previous third baseman in Rafael Devers in June — several other teams in need of a veteran slugger like the Tigers and Mariners will likely be in the mix for the two-time World Series champion’s services.
“We envisioned winning tonight and making a deep run,” Bregman said after the Red Sox’ season came to a close in Game 3 of the Wild Card series against the Yankees. “Proud of the fight in the room. Proud of the guys. It was an honor to put on this jersey.”
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com