Free agency officially opens five days after the World Series ends, and the Boston Red Sox will soon officially know if Alex Bregman will opt out of his contract with the club. Most reporters and insiders believe he's guaranteed to test the free agent market.
Bregman sought a deal of around six years when he was a free agent last winter, but few to no teams would meet his contract length desires and asking price. He opted to sign a bridge deal with Boston, but has told reporters that finding somewhere he can play the rest of his career is of "very high priority."
The veteran's market could be more robust this offseason because the other free agent third basemen who will be available are rather underwhelming — besides Bregman, Eugenio Suárez is the best option, and he's a bottom-tier defender. Boston could have other big markets to compete with for Bregman's services, like the Mets, Phillies and Cubs (subscription required).
The Yankees have also been listed as a potential suitor for Bregman by a few different sources, but Yankees insider Bryan Hoch of MLB.com has shot down any rumors of a potential deal. There has been speculation that New York will move on from third baseman Ryan McMahon, but Hoch doesn't see such a move coming.
Yankees not expected to be a contender for Alex Bregman, leaving more room for Red Sox in the market
The Yankees traded for McMahon from the Rockies at the trade deadline, and he largely served his purpose for them. He brought elite defense to their infield, as he clocked six outs above average and 92nd-percentile range among third basemen. McMahon's offense has room for improvement because he slashed .208/.308/.333 with a .641 OPS over 54 games with the Yankees this year, but they'd still have one of the most productive offenses in the American League with him at third base all year.
McMahon is due $32 million next season, and Hoch believes that could take the Yankees out of the running for Bregman. That could be especially true if New York has other high-profile free agents on its mind, like Kyle Tucker or Munetaka Murakami, for example.
It's imperative that the Red Sox bring Bregman back for 2026 and beyond. There are no other better all-around third basemen available on the free agent market, and after trading Rafael Devers, Boston has no one else with substantial experience to turn to at the hot corner if Bregman signs elsewhere. Reporters have already began speculating that the Sox might not meet Bregman's asking price — which should be out of the question — but his price could be lower and the competition easier with other big market clubs like the Yankees out of the market.