Craig Breslow's signing of veteran third baseman Alex Bregman was a key part of the Boston Red Sox's success and return to the playoffs in 2025. Now that he has the right to opt out of his contract, Red Sox Nation is on edge.
The going consensus among reporters and experts is that Bregman will opt out to test the waters on the open market, although there are some differing opinions in the Red Sox organization. Bregman brought reliable offense, elite defense and years of experience and leadership to Boston's clubhouse this season, which are not things it should easily let disappear in free agency.
While Bregman has not yet announced his plan for the offseason, Red Sox manager Alex Cora may have an idea. He spoke about Bregman's future with NESN host Tom Caron and The Boston Globe beat writer Alex Speier on the "310 to Left" podcast.
"I know he's the only guy that has his mind set of what he's gonna do, but I'm gonna stay positive, I'm gonna stay very positive," Cora said. "He chose us last year last year because of the right reasons. He wanted to be on a playoff team, he wanted to play in Fenway Park, he wanted to be part of this organization... I'm gonna stay positive about it."
Cora seems to know that Bregman has his offseason plan decided, and he wouldn't need to "remain positive" if Bregman planned to remain with Boston. Bregman could easily reunite with the Red Sox after opting out, but anything is possible with other big market teams involved, hence Cora's approach to his decision.
If Bregman signs with another team, the Red Sox will have to replace him at third base. They don't have another true MLB-ready third baseman in their organization after the Rafael Devers trade, although Marcelo Mayer played at the hot corner during Bregman's injured list stint.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora may have hinted at Alex Bregman's offseason plans in recent podcast interview
Bregman would be the top third baseman in this year's free agent class if he were to opt out of his Red Sox contract, meaning Boston would have to settle for less if he signs elsewhere. Eugenio Suárez is due to hit free agency, and he'd be just the power hitter the Red Sox need, but a severe defensive downgrade. Paul De Jong, Yoán Moncada and Kiké Hernández are among the other impending free agent third basemen in this year's pool — all underwhelming options compared to Bregman.
The competition for Bregman's services is sure to be tight if he opts out, like Cora's comments suggest. The Red Sox can't afford to let him walk after trading Devers, and signing Bregman was the reason they had to make that trade in the first place.
Hidden in his comment, Cora also revealed that Trevor Story hasn't decided whether to opt out of his contract with the Sox, evidenced by the statement that Bregman is "the only guy that has his mind set." If Bregman and Story both opt out and neither returns to Boston, it will have much more work to do to replace offensive production and defensive experience in its infield.