Story said: “It’s not top of mind. I’m not going to speak on that right now. But I came here to be here for a long time.”
Opt-out decisions aren’t due until several days after the World Series, which could run as late as Nov. 1.
In February, Bregman signed a three-year, $120 million deal that included opt-out clauses after each of the first two seasons (making it functionally three one-year pacts). If he elects free agency this time around, he will forego the last two years and $80 million.
Story is in the middle of a six-year, $140 million contract signed prior to the 2022 season. He can stick around for the last two years and $50 million, or hit the open market. If he picks the latter, the Red Sox can negate his decision by tacking on another $25 million for 2028, or pay him a $5 million buyout.
The third member of the Sox in a similar situation: starting pitcher Lucas Giolito, who has a $19 million mutual option. That seemed like a sure bet for him to turn down, though the next month or so will give him a chance to see how he recovers from the apparently minor right elbow injury that sidelined him for the postseason.
With a lot up in the air, several Sox players were certain: Bregman, who became the de facto team captain almost immediately, was critical to the progress the organization made in 2025. Throughout the season, hitters and pitchers alike regularly cited him as a positive influence for individuals’ on-field success and the off-field vibes around the team.
“Obviously, he was a big boost to the team this year,” pitcher Garrett Crochet said. “I think everyone has nothing but positive things to say about him as a teammate. [The contract stuff is] out of my control regardless. Where he ends up, I hope it’s with us. But that’s a guy I’ll root on for the rest of his career.”
Story said keeping Bregman should be “a huge priority” this offseason for the Red Sox, particularly because of his postseason experience. This was the ninth year in a row that Bregman’s team — long the Astros, now the Sox — qualified for the playoffs.
“[Getting to know Bregman] was fun, man. It was special. You saw the impact that he had on this organization — on the field, off the field, leadership-wise, all of it,” Story said. “He’s a special player. He’s a special mind. Obviously, very sought-after. He helped us get to where we’re at today. Hopefully we can keep him for a long time.”
Statistically, the 31-year-old Bregman had a solid 2025, slashing .273/.360/.462, which graded out as well-above-average offensive output. He had 18 home runs and 62 RBIs.
He was not as effective, however, after returning in mid-July from a right quad strain that cost him seven weeks.
If he gives free agency another go, he figures to be one of the top position players available in a class light on impact hitters. Outfielder Kyle Tucker, DH Kyle Schwarber, and first baseman Pete Alonso (who has declared his intent to opt out of a contract that is similar to Bregman’s) figure to be among the other biggest bats.
Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras, said in June that Bregman was happy to listen if the Red Sox wanted to discuss a longer-term deal. By August, Bregman said he wanted to focus on the task at hand, preferring to wait until the offseason to talk business.
The offseason is here for the Red Sox, but won’t begin in earnest until early November. The pain of a suddenly finished season is fresh.
“Obviously, this sucks right now. This is brutal,” Bregman said. “We envisioned winning tonight and making a deep run. But proud of the fight, proud of the guys. It was an honor to put on this jersey.”