It didn't take long after he was signed in February for Alex Bregman to become an instrumental member of the Boston Red Sox. But his tenure could be shorter than Boston hopes.
Bregman signed a three-year, $120 million contract with opt outs after each season. Some fans were initially hesitant to believe that the third baseman would opt out due to his embrace of the city — from his Wally the Green Monster gear on the field, to his partnership with Sam Adams, to straight up saying he and his wife love Boston, most Sox fans have remained hopeful that Bregman will sick around.
But the veteran has also posted a great offensive season with the Red Sox, and recent comments from his agent, Scott Boras, shed more light on his offseason plans.
"We’re at the point now where you wait until the offseason and see what transpires," Boras said to Rob Bradford of WEEI. "Obviously, I think he’s very open about it. He has enjoyed it there. The team has more defined promise than it did a year ago. With free agency, you have to see how things go."
Scott Boras confirms Red Sox's fears about Alex Bregman's free agency plans
There isn't much regular season left for Bregman and the Red Sox to discuss an extension before its end. Boras' comments came right after a dose of good vibes from the front office — Red Sox CEO and president Sam Kennedy said on September 11 that Bregman wants to stay in Boston and the Sox want to keep him there.
Boras is notorious for taking his clients to free agency and generally discouraging early contract extensions. Experts and insiders have long been convinced that Bregman will opt out of his Red Sox deal, despite his lucrative $40 million average annual value, because of his offensive resurgence. Bregman posted a down year at the plate in 2024 (.260/.315/.453) and his market was smaller than expected as a result. His .278/.360/.475 slash line, .835 OPS and leadership skills from this season could net him an excellent payday elsewhere if the Red Sox don't offer him what he wants.
Bregman has been a critical presence on the field and in the clubhouse for the Red Sox, and they don't have any backup options at third base after trading Rafael Devers. Bregman may opt out just to re-sign on a longer deal with the Red Sox, and the front office must make sure that happens.