Copyright Essentially Sports
We’ve speculated all season about Alex Bregman’s future with the Red Sox. Now, the moment of truth has arrived. On Monday morning, it was confirmed that the 31-year-old is officially opting out. He signed a three-year, $120 million contract with Boston but left an option to opt out after one season. Turns out, he’s indeed exercising that choice. How far will the Red Sox go to keep him? Let’s just say, not very. Re-signing Bregman doesn’t seem to be at the top of their priority list right now. MLB analyst and insider Jim Bowden was recently on the panel of “Front Office Unfiltered” with Foul Territory. As he sees it, “They’re fine with putting Marcelo Mayer at third base with [Trevor] Story at shortstop.” Craig Breslow could be prioritizing Mayer over Bregman because, despite playing only 44 games for Boston this season, Mayer has showcased plenty of promise. The 22-year-old is a natural shortstop, yet with Story likely staying put, he could be looking at a permanent switch to third base. Right after saying that, Bowden was quick to add that, “It’s not that they don’t want him at third base. It’s not that they don’t appreciate and respect the influence he had on Roman Anthony and Mayer and all the young players there, because he did. I get it.” Bregman’s leadership has been a steady force in Boston’s clubhouse. Teammates credit him for guiding young players like Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer through high-pressure moments with his professionalism and postseason experience. Losing him wouldn’t just leave a hole at third base — it would take away a veteran voice the Red Sox have come to rely on. Bowden further emphasized that Bregman is represented by Scott Boras—one of the best agents in the business. He’s known to break records with contracts. Read Top Stories First From EssentiallySports Click here and check box next to EssentiallySports So, according to Bowden, “Bregman didn’t get that long-term deal he had last year. And he wants a long-term deal.” That means, unless the Red Sox are willing to give him a six-year kind of long-term contract, where he doesn’t have to worry about his next home, then something could work out. “I think Boston’s a great fit. If I were Boston, I’d love to bring him back. But I don’t get the sense that that is the number one priority.” He bluntly added. It’s important to note that Bregman battled through injuries in 2025, but whenever he was on the field, he looked every bit like his old self. The 31-year-old posted a .273 batting average with an .821 OPS, racking up 28 doubles and 18 homers across 114 games. Although he wasn’t quite at his Gold Glove best at third base, he’s still seen as a reliable defender who can hold down the position moving forward. For now, the Red Sox are expected to stay in the mix for his signature once again but it wouldn’t hurt them that much if he goes the other way. Either way, Bregman’s decision to opt out has set things in motion. The outcome of his next contract could have a major ripple effect across the league. Best landing spots for Alex Bregman The Detroit Tigers make an obvious fit for Bregman, considering his past connection with manager A.J. Hinch. This season, Detroit rotated Colt Keith, Andy Ibáñez, and Zach McKinstry at third base. Alex Bregman would be a clear upgrade in their rotation. If Gleyber Torres doesn’t return in free agency, the Tigers will need to reshuffle their infield. That makes Bregman an even more appealing option. In fact, he played well at Comerica Park. He posted a .242/.309/.475 slash line with six homers and 18 RBIs in 24 games. Next up, the Seattle Mariners make another interesting landing spot for Alex Bregman. Early in 2025, their corner infielders struggled visibly. That made their trade deadline moves crucial. The Mariners added Eugenio Suárez and Josh Naylor, but both are now headed for free agency. That opens the door for Bregman. He could fit in perfectly with the Mariners’ style of play and could slot in nicely alongside Cal Raleigh. He’s familiar with Seattle from his years facing them as an Astro, though T-Mobile Park hasn’t been too kind to him. In 53 games there, Bregman has hit .259 with five homers and 17 RBIs. Then we have the Philadelphia Phillies. They could be a real contender for Bregman, especially with growing talk that they might move on from Alec Bohm this winter. Bregman would be a clear upgrade on both sides of the ball. Signing him wouldn’t come cheap, and the Phillies already have to spend big to keep Kyle Schwarber. But if they’re serious about catching the Dodgers, adding Bregman would send a bold message. What do you think about Bregman’s next home?
