There's no denying that Alex Bregman was one of the most critical players on the Boston Red Sox's roster during his first year on the team. He posted an outstanding first half at the plate, played his usual elite defense, advised Boston's top prospects and brought postseason experience to the young squad.
Most reporters and experts think Bregman will opt out of his Red Sox contract — which has two years and another opt out remaining after the second season — to pursue a longer term deal in free agency. By all accounts, the third baseman loved his year in Boston and might re-sign with the team even after opting out. But Red Sox insider Sean McAdam of MassLive is unsure about the front office's commitment to the veteran, as far as his contract demands are concerned.
"It’s an open question, however, whether the Sox will go dollar-for-dollar with other teams to retain Bregman," McAdam wrote (subscription required).
"Should Bregman attract offers of five or more years, ask yourself this: does the idea of paying Bregman better than $35 million annually at age 36 and 37 sound like something that would be approved by John Henry?"
Craig Breslow on the opt-out in Alex Bregman's contract and his importance to the Red Sox.
— NESN (@NESN) October 6, 2025
🎙️ “I will not miss an opportunity to talk about his contributions on the field, in the clubhouse, to the coaching staff, to the front office…” pic.twitter.com/14sQvn50gJ
In Boston's October 6 end of season press conference, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow sang Bregman's praises, in and out of the clubhouse. Breslow described him as a "great player, a proven winner, a strong defender [and] someone who fits this park really well," which are all things the Red Sox need.
Bregman posted a down year in 2024, before his first time hitting free agency after his years of success with the Houston Astros. He slashed .260/.315/.453 over 145 games in his final season in Houston and .273/.360/.462 in 114 games with Boston, which could revamp his free agent market, which was smaller than Bregman expected last winter.
Red Sox insider Sean McAdam thinks Boston may be more willing to let Alex Bregman walk than it has let on
But McAdam notes that Bregman wasn't the same player offensively after the quad injury he sustained in May. The quad strain kept Bregman on the injured list and on the sidelines from May 24-July 11, and he slashed .250/.341/.386 after the All-Star break.
Bregman's late offensive slump and long stint on the IL could raise concerns about his durability and age. Either one of those factors could prevent him from signing a long-term deal in Boston — despite Henry's seemingly renewed willingness to spend on players like Garrett Crochet and Roman Anthony, signing an aging veteran for the next six years could be another story.
On the other hand, the Red Sox may not have much of a choice but to sign Bregman back. After trading Rafael Devers, they don't have another third baseman in the organization to take up his spot if he walks in free agency. Marcelo Mayer could be an option, but Trevor Story also has an opt-out in his contract, and if he leaves, Mayer would need to be the shortstop.
Bregman quickly became a favorite in Boston and clearly enjoyed his season as a Red Sox, and the feeling from the team is mutual. Without Devers or another clear third baseman in the organization, re-signing Bregman could be critical to the Sox's long-term success, and they should find a way to get a deal done that will keep Bregman in Boston despite new suitors in free agency.