MLB insider gives vote of confidence that Alex Bregman will return to Red Sox

Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman is about to enter free agency, with the goal being to leverage his All-Star season in 2025 (and tremendous career thus far) to land the fattest paycheck possible.

There's nothing to dislike about Bregman's approach here. While his right-handed bat fits perfectly at Fenway Park (with a 2025 Silver Slugger finalist nod to show for it), it would be foolish for Bregman to commit to the Red Sox before Boston proves it can compete with the market's richest offers.

Amid a potentially tame offseason cycle for MLB, Bregman's situation has fans and analysts enthralled. Speculative contract projections and comparisons to other deals are surfacing on the daily in an attempt to predict the unpredictable when it comes to Bregman's landing spot.

Ultimately, Bregman in Boston feels right, but most Red Sox fans are understandably uneasy about the possibility of him joining another club, particularly one in the American League.

Any fan going through it right now over Bregman might experience some much-needed relief by reading a recent take from The New York Post's reputable insider Jon Heyman, who asserted in recent days that the Red Sox remain the "most likely" team to sign Bregman.

Red Sox remain favorites to sign Alex Bregman, according to MLB insider

“Everything’s worked out great in Boston with Bregman," Heyman said. "So just because he’s opting out doesn’t mean he’s leaving. Why would he leave? Maybe he will if he gets a much better offer somewhere else. But I mean he is a great fit for Boston."

“That city, that ballpark with the Green Monster ... he had a nice year," Heyman continued. "So many young guys. It’s great to have a veteran of the playoffs. Boston is the most likely candidate to sign Bregman, or re-sign Bregman. Great fit. They have the money from Devers. They need a third baseman. I do think Boston is No. 1."

Red Sox fans, do you feel any better?

It must be noted that, despite Heyman's Red Sox-centric Bregman prediction, the insider did mention some other possible suitors for Bregman: Toronto Blue Jays, Detroit Tigers, Seattle Mariners, and even the Kansas City Royals.

While the Red Sox shouldn't be overly concerned about Kansas City's capacity to outbid them, the idea of Bregman landing on any of the other teams Heyman listed — all contenders in 2025 — might inspire Craig Breslow and the rest of Boston's front office to put together a hefty offer for Bregman.

Of course, that's precisely what Bregman and his agent, Scott Boras, hope for. A bidding war.

It remains to be seen whether the Red Sox will be willing to reach deep into their pockets to win such a war, but if they fall short, Boston's brass better have a robust explanation rehearsed and ready to survive an aggressive Beantown media reaction.