Alex Bregman has been a key cog in the Red Sox machine this season. The veteran third baseman has fit perfectly in Boston, just as every analyst thought he would. Not only has his production at the plate been award-worthy, but his presence in the clubhouse has completely changed the Red Sox into a winning culture.
Although Bregman's offseason was tumultuous and lasted until days before spring training, he ultimately secured a spectacular deal. He and the Red Sox agreed on a three-year, $120 million contract with opt outs following each season. Those opt outs have been like a sword hanging over the Red Sox's future.
Jeff Passan's confirmation of Alex Bregman's offseason decision must force Red Sox into action
While speaking on the "Just Baseball Show" podcast on Monday, August 25, ESPN insider Jeff Passan mentioned Bregman in a larger conversation about the 2026 free agent class. Passan said he believes Bregman will opt out of his contract with Boston this offseason to hit free agency again.
While this isn't much of a surprise to many who follow the Red Sox, it doesn't feel great to hear from one of baseball's most trusted insiders that their star player wants to hit the open market after just one season with the club.
This just reaffirms that the front office needs to get Bregman and agent Scott Boras back at the negotiating table to work out a long-term deal. The most recent news Red Sox Nation got on the matter was that Bregman and his team were stopping extension talks until the offseason. That doesn't mean that a competitive offer wouldn't get both parties talking, though.
While $40 million AAV puts Bregman tied with Aaron Judge for the fourth-highest mark in MLB, behind only Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and Zack Wheeler, the 31-year-old had hoped for a long-term deal last offseason. Reports suggested some teams were willing to give him the length he hoped for, but the total value of those deals wasn't what the reigning Gold Glove winner wanted, and he opted for a high AAV contract that allowed him to re-enter free agency sooner.
Now, Boston has the inside track at keeping Bregman around for the long haul, and they absolutely need to. The veteran's presence has been invaluable to the squad this season. His production at the top of the lineup and mentoring of other players on the team will make him worth whatever dollar amount he wants.
Keeping Bregman in Boston for the rest of his career should be the next major move Craig Breslow makes. The third baseman being the veteran leader for this young core for the next 5-7 years is every Red Sox fan's dream, and they all can picture him standing next to Roman Anthony and Garrett Crochet, raising the commissioner's trophy. He wants to be in Boston, Make it happen, Craig.