Boston Red Sox fans have quickly grown to love Alex Bregman since he signed with the team in February. The two-time World Series champion has brought leadership to the clubhouse and posted one of the best offensive years of his career at the same time.
Some experts predict Bregman will take those achievements to the free agent market at the end of the season to secure a higher contract. Boston on February 15 signed the third baseman to a three-year, $120 million deal with opt-outs after each season, and his success with the Red Sox could make him a prime candidate to use one of them.
Jared Carrabis of the "Section 10" podcast seems to disagree. The host asked co-hosts Steve Perrault and Tyler Milliken if they should discuss the rumors that Bregman might opt out of his contract. Once they agreed, Carrabis didn't mince words.
"I don't think he's leaving," he said. Before a discussion even began, they moved onto the next segment.
Section 10 podcast confident Alex Bregman won't leave Red Sox in free agency
They did pick up the Bregman discussion again later on, when Carrabis clarified that he hasn't spoken to the third baseman about his plans. However, he said he would be "in [Bregman's] ear" when the offseason starts. Milliken noted that Bregman's value could be lowered by his midseason quad injury and September slump at the plate, which could mean that his Red Sox contract would be a better value than he could get on the free agent market.
Even if he opts out, Boston could beat out other teams to sign him — and it doesn't really have much choice. After trading Rafael Devers and endlessly hyping Bregman's importance in the clubhouse, the Red Sox have given up much of their leverage in negotiations. Their competition could increase from last season, but the Tigers, Blue Jays and Cubs could all be in the mix for Bregman again this year.
Bregman's offensive profile is made for Fenway Park, and he's brought experience and leadership to a young Red Sox squad. The infielder has embraced Boston in many ways and confessed that his family loves the city, so getting Bregman to re-sign — or not opt out in the first place — shouldn't be an impossible task.
After trading Devers, Bregman turned into the franchise player the Red Sox needed him to be. They can't afford to let him go in free agency if he opts out.