Alex Bregman is coming off a robust season
The 31-year-old batted .273/.360/.462 with a 125 wRC+ in 114 video games for Boston. After posting an uncharacteristically low 6.7% stroll fee in 2024, he rebounded to 10.3% in 2025, whereas his strikeout fee elevated solely modestly to a still-excellent 14.1%. His batted-ball metrics again up his efficiency, along with his 90.1 mph common exit velocity and 44.4% hard-hit fee each representing profession highs. Regardless of lacking seven weeks within the first half of the season with a proper quad harm, Bregman was value 3.5 fWAR this yr, rating seventh amongst main league third basemen with a minimal of 400 plate appearances.
Defensively, Bregman graded out as above common, if a step down from his 2024 season. In 972 1/3 innings at third base, he was value one Defensive Run Saved and three Outs Above Common in 2025, with Statcast valuing his vary within the 83rd percentile. For comparability, he was value 6 DRS and eight OAA with the Astros final yr. Defensive metrics are notoriously tough, in fact, nevertheless it seems Bregman stays a defensive asset as he continues into his 30s.
Monetary repercussions of the opt-out
By opting out, Bregman is forgoing two years at a $40M AAV. That determine is considerably deceptive, although, as $60M of the $120M complete is deferred by way of 2035-46, per Ronald Blum of the Associated Press, which lowers the contract’s AAV considerably. In any case, Bregman will undoubtedly look to high that assure in his second straight journey to the free-agent market.
Previous to this yr’s quad harm, he had three consecutive seasons of fine well being from 2022-24 and is an inexpensive wager to remain wholesome transferring ahead. Whereas he signed a short-term, high-AAV take care of opt-outs final time round, he ought to have higher luck available on the market this time.
Below the phrases of the present Collective Bargaining Settlement between the homeowners and the MLB Gamers Affiliation, Bregman is ineligible to obtain a qualifying supply after receiving one from the Astros final offseason. A potential crew won’t have to forfeit draft decide compensation to signal Bregman this time round. A take a look at our 2025-26 MLB Free Agents list reveals Bregman because the clear headliner at third base, with Eugenio Suarez representing the next-best choice. Suarez, 34, hit 49 residence runs this season and matched Bregman’s 125 wRC+, however he’s additionally a defensive legal responsibility.
Ought to Alex Bregman and the Crimson Sox reunite?
Given the state of the market, his ineligibility for one more qualifying supply and his robust platform season, Bregman will possible be searching for a long-term contract this offseason. A reunion with the Crimson Sox is actually doable, with the crew having traded Rafael Devers to the Giants this previous June.
The crew didn’t exceed the luxury-tax threshold in 2024, although they seem on monitor to exceed this yr’s $241M threshold by a number of million, according to RosterResource. The crew will see Steven Matz’s $12.5M wage come off the books this offseason. They may additionally decline their finish of Lucas Giolito’s $19M mutual choice relying on the severity of his latest elbow difficulty. Liam Hendriks underwent ulnar nerve transposition surgical procedure in September and can possible see his $12M mutual choice declined.
If the crew runs an analogous payroll in 2026 following this yr’s postseason look, the membership would possibly make a run at re-signing Bregman. The Tigers and Cubs have been each in on Bregman final winter and might need some curiosity in him as nicely. The Cubs have been reportedly solely excited by Bregman on a short-term deal, although, and their incumbent third baseman, Matt Shaw, confirmed promise in his debut this yr.
In distinction, Tigers third basemen ranked twenty sixth within the majors this yr with a 76 wRC+ and would profit considerably from a participant of Bregman’s caliber. If Bregman departs Boston, the Crimson Sox may hand the reins to Marcelo Mayer or make a play for Suarez or Muncy in free company.
